Raymond Ford vs. Nick Ball: Undefeated Featherweights Ready for Riyadh Showdown

Originally posted on Big Fight Weekend
By S Saadeq Ahmed | Last updated May 30, 2024 10:04 AM ET

Raymond Ford (15-0-1, 8 KOs) will make the first defence of his WBA featherweight title when he faces Nick Ball (19-0-1, 11 KOs) on Saturday.

The two meet in the opener of a card that pits five Matchroom Boxing fighters against five from Queensberry Promotions. Fight fans can catch the action live as a PPV on DAZN. Those in the United Kingdom can also purchase it from TNT Sports, discovery+, Sky, EE TV and Prime Video.

Queensberry vs. Matchroom 5v5 will take place at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It is part of Riyadh Season, a state-funded entertainment and sports festival. The Saudi Arabian General Entertainment Authority is responsible for its organization.

Ahead of their June 1 fight, Ford and Ball spoke at an event in Riyadh to promote the bout. Below is what they had to say.

Raymond Ford Defends WBA Featherweight Title Against Nick Ball

Ford

“It’s the same mindset,” said Ford on his upcoming bout. “Same thing. I don’t feel like I’m being hunted. I still feel like I’m the one doing the hunting. Still going there and getting the job done, by any means.”

“I’m expecting the same old Nick Ball. Being aggressive, try to pose his will. It’s going to make for a great fight.”

Ball

“We find out Saturday night,” said Ball on how he will attempt to win. “I’m just taking these days as it comes. Looking forward to it. Can’t wait.”

“He [Eddie Hearn] is going to be an even bigger fan [of me] on Saturday night, definitely.”

Fight Prediction

Against Otabek Kholmatov, Ford showed an ability to adjust and come from behind to win. Ball will be roughly five inches shorter than his opponent, but he possesses an aggressive style that is difficult to deal with. The Englishman will be the aggressor in this fight, which should help him win several rounds. Expect Ball to walk away with a unanimous decision win.