Nick Ball – Where Next For the Liverpool Lad?
It’s been a while since we’ve really had our attention on the featherweights, but Liverpool’s Nick Ball is changing that, and quickly. After taking apart American Ronny Rios, a few options are opening up him, and quickly.
Nick Ball defies the odds. He’s short, even for a featherweight, but his terrier-like approach and ability to close distance works hugely in his favour. Like an old-school Tyson, his relentless style and lead left hook is dangerous to anyone who has stepped in the ring with him. There’ll be nobody in the featherweight division who would look forward to a clash with Ball.
His combination punches, awkward angles and powerful overhand gives opponents plenty to think about, and so far nobody has come up with a plan to stop him. His ability to close distance means that even taller fighters struggle to deal with him, and when he gets inside there’s little to stop him.
In a division with a few good future fight options, let’s have a look at what comes next for Nick Ball…
Unification Fight?
After knocking out Ronny Rios in the 10th round of their contest, Nick Ball said he wants a unification fight with one of the other featherweight champions.
He’s already faced Rey Vargas, with the fight ending in a controversial draw. Most of the pundits believed Ball won the fight, especially having scored a couple of knockdowns. Whilst the fans are keen, Vargas may opt for an easier fight. Ball would probably relish the chance to avenge the blot on his record though. There’d be no difficulty selling tickets for the fight.
Rafael Espinoza holds the WBO belt, and the Mexican would pose a difficult challenge for Ball.
Standing nearly a whole foot taller than Ball, Espinoza is yet to be beaten by any of his 25 opponents. Add to the height his fearsome punching power (21 knockouts in 25 fights), and he’s no joke. Ball wouldn’t duck the fight, but there are easier fights out there. That being said, if Ball could get inside and expose the body of Espinoza, he could be the first to triumph over the Mexican.
Angelo Leo is another option for Ball. He holds the IBF belt, and boasts a solid record of 25 wins from 26 professional contests. Whilst only 12 are from knockouts, he’d pose a different challenge to Espinoza, but can’t be overlooked. It’s definitely a fight that would garner interest.
Mandatory WBA World Title Defences
A likely next step for Ball is a mandatory defence against American Stephen Fulton. The tricky American is a great boxer, but the step up to featherweight leaves a few questions. There’s no doubting his talent, but he’s not known for his knockout power. The question is whether or not he has the skills to counteract the extra power he’ll face at featherweight.
He’s due to fight Brandon Figueroa in December, which (should he win), could lead to a title shot against Ball in March or April 2025. He’s the official challenger as listed by the WBA, so it’s more probable than possible. What’s certain is that Nick Ball and his team will be watching the fight VERY closely, knowing a collision between him and the winner is almost certain to come up in the near future.
If Fulton loses, it’s anyone’s guess.
One to Rule Out
For now at least, we can rule out a step up to super featherweight. There’s simply too many good fights out there at feather for Ball, and lots of belts to be won at featherweight.
In the meantime, he can enjoy his latest win and see what’s next whilst his stock is so high.
