Boxing
'Wasn't my best performance!' - Nick Ball reflects on hard-fought win over Sam Goodman
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Nick Ball suggested his victory over Sam Goodman "wasn't my best performance" after the Briton defended his WBA featherweight title by unanimous decision in Riyadh.
The Briton was pushed hard by the Australian , who stood up to the 'Wrecking Ball' and returned fire with plenty of his own punches across an intriguing contest.
A trio of surprisingly wide scorecards suggested a greater level of dominance by the Liverpool fighter afterwards, to the surprise of many ringside at the ANB Arena.
Speaking immediately afterwards, Ball seemed to suggest a similar assessment, feeling that he came up short - but stressed that is what makes him a champion too.
"It was good," he said. "I'm still obviously a world champion, but it probably wasn't my best performance, in my honest opinion. But the main thing is that we got the job done.
"I'm still champion. I probably got hit a bit too much. Mostly it was on the gloves. I'll have to watch it back. That's what champions do, no matter what situation they're in.
They always come through. I just want to keep fighting and keep improving. Obviously being in with the other big names, the big title fights, that's the aim.
"It's a special trip. Every time I come over here, it's special to me. It's like my second home. I appreciate everyone who comes out. I wouldn't be here without any of them."
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