Nick Ball

SPORT

Talented featherweight Nick Ball closing in on a British title shot

Liverpool boxer, Nick Ball is now ranked in the top 10 of the British 130lbs category and has has declared his intentions to challenge for the vacant British featherweight title .. The 24-year-old unbeaten prospect, is signed to Hall of Fame promoter Frank Warren and is a three-time national amateur champion, with 13 wins, six knockouts, two unbeaten opponents scalped, and an eightround contest completed in his last fight. So he is keen to chase after major titles and bigger fights despite not being in the ring for a year. He said, “I was due to fight but my opponent got Covid, hopefully I’ll have some news soon, it is frustrating, but that’s boxing isn’t it? Stuff like that happens, just got to keep going, you can’t feel sorry for yourself.” His last performance gained him lots of new followers with his fanfriendly style, yet he hasn’t been back on a Queensberry Promotions show since, which has been disappointing for fight fans eager to follow the prospect’s development. “My style is TV friendly so it needs to change soon because that’s what I need to be doing – staying active, and that’s when you’ll the see the best of me when the opponents come to fight and then you can see what I’m about.” Despite the lengthy layoff, Nick remains as motivated as ever, “I’m self-motivated. When you sign up for this sport, that’s what you’ve got to do, without question, just got to keep training and take each day as it comes and put your all into each day and when you do get your opportunity then you’re gonna be ready for it.

“In our gym, someone’s always got a fight date, so we’re always in training, and the sparring in our gym you’re not getting any better sparring, in my opinion. You’ve got Peter McGrail, an outstanding amateur who has just turned professional now;

Brad Strand; Andrew Cain; Jack McKinlay... all fighters like that, so it’s outstanding.” Nick is fortunate to be a full-time pro where many at his level have to work full days elsewhere to make ends meet. “Sponsors are a massive help and my family as well, to be honest; my mum and dad and my brother they help me out a lot, I wouldn't be where I am today without them, I appreciate the support off them; they just keep me going throughout. They could easily stop and get fed up because I'm not fighting but they've stuck with me so I can’t thank them enough.” 7