Dsalita WBA Featherweight Champion Raymond Ford tipped the scales at 125.4 lbs, while challenger Nick Ball came in slightly heavier at 125.8 lbs during Friday’s weigh-in ahead of the ‘5 vs. 5’ Queensberry vs. Matchroom event in Riyadh this Saturday.
Despite starting off with fierce looks and stares during the face-off, Ford (15-0-1, 8 KOs) and Ball (19-0-1, 11 KOs) couldn’t hold back their smiles and laughter, breaking character before turning to address the media.
The upcoming fight is anticipated to be a challenging one for Ford, who recently engaged in a tough battle against Otabek Kholmatov. Ford, feeling drained from weight cutting, had initially considered moving up to 130 lbs but opted to stay at his current weight to face the towering Ball.
Promoter Eddie Hearn noted Ball’s size at the weigh-in, calling him a “big lump” and predicting both fighters would bulk up significantly by fight night. Hearn praised both Ford and Ball as top competitors in the featherweight division.
Ford expressed confidence in his ability to dominate the fight, emphasizing his strategy and determination. However, questions remain about Ford’s inside fighting skills compared to Ball’s preferred style.
In Ford’s previous fight, he struggled against Kholmatov before securing a miraculous twelfth-round knockout victory. Despite any mind games from Ball leading up to the fight, both fighters are focused on delivering an electrifying performance come fight night.
