After securing his inaugural world title on June 1, NICK BALL sets his sights on a rematch with Rey Vargas.
In a split decision (115-113, 115-113, 113-115), the Liverpudlian boxer emerged victorious over Raymond Ford from New Jersey. This win crowned him the WBA featherweight world champion and added another point to Queensberry’s tally in their 5 vs. 5 battle against Matchroom at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh. Notably, Ball’s triumph followed a contentious draw with Vargas, which occurred just three months ago in Riyadh. Despite many believing that Ball deserved the win, Vargas managed to hold onto his WBC title.
Although pleased with the triumph against Ford, the 27-year-old is determined to have a rematch with Vargas as well.
“I need my green and gold belt, that’s mine,” Ball told Boxing News after his win.
“I require that item, therefore I shall pursue it. It is widely recognized as my possession, so it is now appropriate to fasten it on my shoulder and engage in the fight to obtain it. However, the outcome remains uncertain.”
Following Leigh Wood’s two reigns between 2021 and 2023, Ball has now become the second recent holder of the WBA title for Britain. Throughout the years, the 126lbs division has proven to be fruitful for British boxing, with esteemed featherweight world champions such as Josh Warrington, Lee Selby, Paul Ingle, Naseem Hamed, Scott Harrison, Paul Hodkinson, Steve Robinson, Colin McMillan, and even Howard Winstone back in 1968.
Ball’s victory brings Britain’s tally of male world boxing champions to four, including Chris Billam-Smith (WBO cruiserweight), Lawrence Okolie (WBC bridgerweight), Anthony Cacace (IBF super-featherweight), and Nick Ball (WBA featherweight).
