The WBA featherweight world title will be on the line this weekend as Raymond Ford attempts his first defense against Nick Ball. Both fighters are destined to win multiple world championships in the future but which one will prevail this time? Here is our Ford vs Ball prediction.
Ford vs Ball Prediction: Fight of the Night Potential
Raymond Ford Preview
Raymond “Savage” Ford is an American professional boxer, born on March 3, 1999, in Philadelphia. As an amateur, he achieved a record of 22-9 and then began his professional career, making his professional debut in 2019.
Ford quickly gained popularity due to his impressive boxing style and technical skills. To date, Raymond Ford has 15 wins in his professional record, 8 of which came by knockout.
Over the past 2 years and a half, Ford defeated three undefeated boxers: Edward Vazquez, Richard Medina, and Otabek Kholmatov. Can he end Ball's perfect record as well?
In his recent fights, Ford defeated Sakaria Lukas with a beautiful knockout in the 8th round and Jessie Magdaleno with a convincing unanimous decision.
He last faced Otabek Kholmatov and was en route to lose for the first time in his career. But he proved his determination to become a world champion when he knocked Kholmatov out in the final 12th round.
There is room for growth and Raymond Ford is barely 25 years old. Even if he loses the title on Saturday, this will not be his last world championship.
Nick Ball Preview
Before we can reach the conclusive Ford vs Ball prediction, we have to take a look at the other side of the ring. At 27 years of age, Nick Ball's career is also just beginning but this will be his second title fight in two months and a half.
Born on September 17, 1997, in Liverpool, England, Nick quickly made a name for himself, defeating every man who dared to stand in front of him. His fighting style is characterized by high speed and agility in the ring, making him a dangerous opponent for any type of boxer.
To date, Nick has a professional record of 19-0-1, with 11 victories coming by knockout. In recent fights, Ball evidenced his exponential growth. For example, he beat former IBF champion Ludumo Lamati by TKO, ending his unbeaten streak. He also beat Isaac Dogboe, another former world champion, on points.
We believe that Ball was robbed of his first world title in March when he faced Rey Vargas for the WBC featherweight belt. Judges scored it a draw, although Nick clearly dominated the fight.
We believe that Ball will one day win that belt anyway but first, he has to pass through Ford.
Raymond Ford vs Nick Ball Prediction: One of the toughest fights in 2024
Bookmakers give Ford a minimal advantage ahead of this bout and it feels like the correct decision. Comparing the fighters, they are close in age and their boxing styles are almost identical.
Ford's advantage lies elsewhere. His anthropometric data is impressive. He is tall and has a huge arm span.
Moreover, he is a Southpaw boxer, which generally plays a huge role in modern boxing. With all this in mind, we have to side with the champion for our Ford vs Ball prediction.
