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) got it right, 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 man apart from the rest of the British fighters?
This is a style that people love.
Standing at 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 pressing and quick combinations have been a nightmare for all opponents of the brave man from Liverpool so far. When you add quite a hefty bump to this, it’s clear why Ball is attracting so much attention. Last year’s fights with Isaac Dogboe and Raymond Ford were the best demonstrations of his abilities.
The match with Dogboe may have been decisive for the further development of Nick’s career. He won by unanimous decision (118-109, 116-111, 118-1018), attacking but carefully boxing with an excellent jab, which he used to open all his actions and combinations. This fight showed that Ball can be effective and attractive at the same time, which are mandatory qualities to conquer the world’s top. The Ford fight only confirmed expectations. In a fierce clash that delighted fans of the noble art, Ball deservedly claimed victory and the title. The fight was very close, with a split decision from the judges, but the WBA belt was rightly handed 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 much-anticipated 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 veterans such as Oscar Negrete and Ray Vargas. Although he was defeated by the great Murodjon Akmadalev, Rios is by no means just a stepping stone for Ball. Long arm span, high guard, and quick right cross could be a problem for the 27-year-old Englishman. On the other hand, Ronnie Rios cannot boast of having the strongest chin, which has been seen in his previous fights.
The battle is shown in Britain TNT Sports. In addition to the main one, this card has some other good opening matches, the most promising of which is the clash between Jack Rafferty and Henry Turner. Fans expect an interesting fight, and in case of victory, a match for the unification of the belts between Nick Ball and one of the champions of other organizations.
