Nick Ball is a proper throwback fighter. In many ways, his whole life revolves around boxing. He lives and breathes the sport.
His dad took him to a boxing gym at the age of six after he “got into some trouble at school”. From that day on, it was all he could ever think about.
Everything is set up to help him achieve his ultimate goal of becoming a world champion. He rarely skips a day of training. It’s a dream that he could finally realize this year.
Ball is coming off a big win over Isaac Dogboe at Manchester Arena last year. He dominated the fight from the opening bell, even dropping Dogboe in the fourth round, before sweeping the scorecards from all three judges at ringside. Ball is No 1 in the WBC rankings and remains undefeated with a record of 19-0 (11 KOs), though he may have to wait for a shot at the featherweight title.
Rey Vargas has the WBC belt, while Brandon Figueroa holds the interim version. As the mandatory challenger, Ball says it won’t be long before he gets the chance to fulfil his lifelong ambition.
“It would be nice to get the gold because obviously I’ve got the silver,” Ball told BoxingScene.com.
“That’s the main belt in boxing, I feel. That’s the real world title. Every boxer, every fighter wants the WBC belt.
“Ever since I was a kid, I’ve always wanted that belt. Now I’m mandatory for it.
“I’m not frustrated because I know it’s going to happen anyway. This is the year it’s going to happen. I always knew I was going to get my shot. It’s just a matter of time really.”
After leaving school at 16 Ball went to work with his dad as a plasterer. Ball says being exposed to the family trade helped toughen him up. He credits his dad for his strong mindset.
“For starters I wouldn’t be where I am without my dad and my mum,” he said.
“But I think the way I am is because of my dad because his work ethic is crazy. I’ve never seen any man work like him with the speed and the skill mixed in. Just hard work, no messing around, getting the job done.
“He’s passed that on to me and my brother. It’s how you carry yourself. His work ethic is unmatched.
“He likes the boxing as well, I don’t think he likes watching too much, but he’s always supporting me at my fights.”
Ball started off doing muay Thai before making the switch to boxing. And while it’s not on his radar at the moment, he says he would fancy his chances in an MMA fight.
“I just like fighting. I’ve been doing this for 20 years,” he said.
“I’ve been involved in all types of fighting; muay Thai, jiu-jitsu, I’ve done a bit of everything really. I haven’t considered MMA, but I know for a fact I could, and I could show all of them how to fight as well.
“I’m not really a fan of it to be honest. They get the option to tap out don’t they? I’m not a fan of that. That’s quitting to me. I don’t need no towel. Put that in the opposite corner.”
Ball spent years waiting for the right opportunity, fighting on small hall shows in his home city of Liverpool, often for very little money.
His breakthrough moment came in 2021, a knockout victory over Isaac Lowe, who has long campaigned for a rematch.
When asked if he’d run it back with Lowe, his answer was a curt reply.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea for him.”