Winning over fans in the UK, the country with the most experienced boxing audience in the world, is not easy at all. Liverpool’s young boxer, Nick Ball (20-0, 11 knockouts) managed to do just that, in the featherweight division always loaded with talent. On Saturday, October 4, the whole island is eagerly awaiting the first defense of his WBA belt. What sets this guy apart from the rest of the UK 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 makes up for the height difference with explosiveness and speed. The controlled pressure and quick combinations have been a nightmare for all opponents of the good Liverpool guy so far. When you add a pretty solid punch to that, it’s 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 to the further development of Nick’s career. He won by unanimous decision (118-109, 116-111, 118-1018), boxing offensively but with caution, with an excellent jab, which he used to open all his actions and combinations. This fight showed that Ballu can be effective and attractive at the same time, which are mandatory qualities to conquer the top of the world. Ford’s struggle only confirmed expectations. In a fierce encounter that delighted fans of the noble art, Ball deserved the victory and the title. The fight was very even, with a split decision by the judges, but the WBA belt was awarded 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 over 30 fights under his belt, and has fought against veterans like Oscar Negrete and Ray Vargas. Although he was defeated by the excellent Murodjon Akmadaliev, Rios is not just a step for Ball. Long arm, high guard, and quick right cross can be a problem for the 27-year-old Englishman. On the other hand, Ronnie Rios cannot boast of having the strongest chin, which was seen in his previous fights.
The fight is shown in Great 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 match 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.
