Winning over fans in the UK, the country with the most experienced boxing audience in the world is not easy at all. The young boxer from Liverpool, Nick Ball (20-0, 11 knockouts) managed to do just that, in the always talent-laden featherweight division. On Saturday, October 4, the whole island is eagerly awaiting the first defense of his WBA belt. What is it that sets this guy apart from the rest of the U.K. fighters?
It’s a style that people love.
With a height of 5 feet 2 inches, the “Wrecking ball” is among the shortest, even in the featherweight division. Ball compensates for the difference in height with explosiveness and speed. Controlled pressure and quick combinations have been a nightmare for all the opponents of the brave guy from Liverpool so far. When you add quite a solid punch to this, it is clear why Ball attracts so much attention. Last year’s fights with Isaac Dogboe and Raymond Ford were the best demonstrations of his abilities.
The match with Dogboe was perhaps crucial for the further development of Nick’s career. He won by unanimous decision (118-109, 116-111, 118-1018), boxing offensively but cautiously, with an excellent jab, which he used to open all of his actions and combinations. This fight has shown that Ball can be effective and attractive at the same time, which are mandatory qualities for conquering the world’s top. The Ford fight only confirmed expectations. In a fierce clash that delighted fans of the noble art, Ball deservedly took the victory and the title. The fight was very even, with a split decision from the judges, but the WBA belt was justifiably handed over to the Englishman.
Ronnie Rios and his first title defense.
On Saturday, October 4, Ball will box in front of his home fans in his hometown of Liverpool. The opponent is another American, Roni Rios (34-4, 17 knockouts). The fight is overshadowed by the long-awaited clash between light heavyweights Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev, but it is sure to attract a lot of attention in Europe, especially in the UK.
The experienced Rios has more than 30 fights under his belt, and he has fought against veterans such as Oscar Negrete and Ray Vargas. Although he was defeated by the excellent Murodjon Akmadaliev, Rios is by no means just a stepping stone for Ball. Long arm span, high guard, and quick right cross can be a problem for the 27-year-old Englishman. On the other hand, Ronnie Rios can’t boast of having the strongest chin, which has been seen in his previous fights.
The fight is shown in Britain on TNT Sports. In addition to the main one, this card has a couple of other good opening matches, the most promising of which is the clash between Jack Rafferty and Henry Turner. Fans are expecting an interesting fight, and in case of victory, a match for the unification of the belts between Nick Ball and one of the champions from other organizations.
