Dsalita Nick Ball (20-0-1, 11 KOs) has set his sights on a rematch with WBC featherweight champion Rey Vargas in hopes of snatching away his coveted green and gold title after securing a twelve-round split decision victory over WBA 126-lb champion Raymond Ford (15-1-1, 8 KOs) last weekend in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The 27-year-old Ball caught the judges’ attention with his relentless pressure and well-executed combination punches, earning the victory over the previously undefeated Ford with scores of 115-113, 115-113 for Ball, and 115-113 for Ford.
Looking ahead to a potential rematch with Rey Vargas, Ball reflected on their previous encounter in March, which ended in a twelve-round draw at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh. Despite a slow start, Ball rallied in the later rounds to dominate Vargas and now seeks redemption in a second showdown.
In a twist of fate, if a rematch with Vargas doesn’t materialize, there’s a tantalizing prospect of a clash against Japanese sensation Naoya Inoue should he decide to move up to the 126-pound division. This potential super fight would provide a more challenging matchup for Inoue compared to his current bouts in the super bantamweight class.
While convincing Inoue to step up to face Ball at 126 pounds and potentially leaving his comfort zone in Japan might pose a challenge, it would undoubtedly test his mettle against formidable opposition. As age catches up with Inoue, the pressure to defend his legacy against rising contenders like Ball continues to grow.
After his recent victory over Raymond Ford, Ball expressed his elation, stating, “I’m the champ now, so it’s all paid off in the end. It was a tough fight, but I had a good feeling about it.” Ford’s tactical errors, including passive boxing and retreat tactics, played into Ball’s hands, leading to his triumphant performance.
Looking towards a potential rematch with Vargas, Ball emphasized his desire to claim the WBC featherweight title, declaring, “I need that green and gold belt. That’s mine. So, I need to get that on my shoulder, 100%.” With determination and confidence, Ball sets his sights on future victories and championship glory.
