ANNOUNCED: Anthony Cacace will defend his WBA super featherweight world title against Nick Ball on December 19th in Belfast, live on DAZN.Anthony Cacace vs. Nick Ball | DAZN - 19 December 2026
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Anthony Cacace vs. Nick Ball | DAZN - 19 December 2026
ANNOUNCED: Anthony Cacace will defend his WBA super featherweight world title against Nick Ball on December 19th in Belfast, live on DAZN.
Re: Anthony Cacace vs. Nick Ball | DAZN - 19 December 2026
Ball looked really really good up until he won the title & then looked OK.
Unless he turns back the clock a few years I do not see him beating Cacace.
More likely a steady beat down with a late stoppage.
Unless he turns back the clock a few years I do not see him beating Cacace.
More likely a steady beat down with a late stoppage.
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Re: Anthony Cacace vs. Nick Ball | DAZN - 19 December 2026
Cacace vs Ball
Cacace (25-1, 9 KO) will be defending the WBA 130 lb he won from Jazza Dickens on March 14, facing Ball (23-1-1, 13 KO), who lost the WBA featherweight title by TKO in the 12th round against Brandon Figueroa on February 7 in Liverpool.
“Nick’s a great fighter, an ex-world champion, he’s beaten them all. I expect a good scrap. He’s a hard man. Let’s do it,” Cacace said, simple and plain.
“It’s a massive opportunity at a new weight,” Ball said. “He’s a solid champion, it’s going to be a good fight.”
What could be the best fight of the lot, and may have the best atmosphere, probably also has the two guys who came off the most soft-spoken and respectful of one another in these announcements. Like the fighters, I expect a heck of a battle between these two.
Cacace (25-1, 9 KO) will be defending the WBA 130 lb he won from Jazza Dickens on March 14, facing Ball (23-1-1, 13 KO), who lost the WBA featherweight title by TKO in the 12th round against Brandon Figueroa on February 7 in Liverpool.
“Nick’s a great fighter, an ex-world champion, he’s beaten them all. I expect a good scrap. He’s a hard man. Let’s do it,” Cacace said, simple and plain.
“It’s a massive opportunity at a new weight,” Ball said. “He’s a solid champion, it’s going to be a good fight.”
What could be the best fight of the lot, and may have the best atmosphere, probably also has the two guys who came off the most soft-spoken and respectful of one another in these announcements. Like the fighters, I expect a heck of a battle between these two.
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Re: Anthony Cacace vs. Nick Ball | DAZN - 19 December 2026
CHRISTMAS WILL COME EARLY FOR NICK BALL AGAINST CACACE
Christmas arrives earlier than the calendar indicates this year for Nick Ball as he attempts to unwrap a title shot against WBA junior lightweight champion Anthony Cacace on December 19 at The O2 Belfast in Northern Ireland on DAZN.
Ball (23-1-1, 13 KOs) hasn't fought since suffering a dramatic 12th-round stoppage and losing his WBA 126-pound title against Brandon Figueroa in Liverpool on February 7.
Although Ball has fought above 130 pounds before, he hasn't done so in nearly six years, well before he made a name for himself by beating the likes of Isaac Dogboe, Raymond Ford, Ronny Rios, TJ Doheny, Sam Goodman and fighting to a draw against Rey Vargas.
"It's another massive opportunity at a new weight," Ball said. "Anthony Cacace is a solid champion, so it's going to be a good fight. I expect an action-packed fight. I'll be coming, he'll be coming, so it's going to be a good one. I'm 100 percent taking that WBA strap off of him."
Ball's proclamation will be easier said than done when you consider that the always-cracking Cacace is coming in from the opposite corner.
Cacace (25-1, 9 KOs) holds the WBA 130-pound title courtesy of a unanimous decision win against Jazza Dickens in March. The win made Cacace a two-time junior lightweight titleholder.
Cacace also won the IBF crown in May 2024 by crushing Joe Cordina inside eight rounds. But Cacace vacated his title in January 2025, only to continue fighting in the division, beating Josh Warrington and Leigh Wood in subsequent bouts.
"Nick's a great fighter and ex-world champion who was beating them all, so I expect a good scrap. He's a hard man, so let's do it," Cacace said.
"I'll fight with him, I'll box him – whatever way he wants, so we'll see what happens on the night. I'm really looking forward to it.
"Belfast around Christmas time is going to be jumping, so I'm really looking forward to it."
Christmas arrives earlier than the calendar indicates this year for Nick Ball as he attempts to unwrap a title shot against WBA junior lightweight champion Anthony Cacace on December 19 at The O2 Belfast in Northern Ireland on DAZN.
Ball (23-1-1, 13 KOs) hasn't fought since suffering a dramatic 12th-round stoppage and losing his WBA 126-pound title against Brandon Figueroa in Liverpool on February 7.
Although Ball has fought above 130 pounds before, he hasn't done so in nearly six years, well before he made a name for himself by beating the likes of Isaac Dogboe, Raymond Ford, Ronny Rios, TJ Doheny, Sam Goodman and fighting to a draw against Rey Vargas.
"It's another massive opportunity at a new weight," Ball said. "Anthony Cacace is a solid champion, so it's going to be a good fight. I expect an action-packed fight. I'll be coming, he'll be coming, so it's going to be a good one. I'm 100 percent taking that WBA strap off of him."
Ball's proclamation will be easier said than done when you consider that the always-cracking Cacace is coming in from the opposite corner.
Cacace (25-1, 9 KOs) holds the WBA 130-pound title courtesy of a unanimous decision win against Jazza Dickens in March. The win made Cacace a two-time junior lightweight titleholder.
Cacace also won the IBF crown in May 2024 by crushing Joe Cordina inside eight rounds. But Cacace vacated his title in January 2025, only to continue fighting in the division, beating Josh Warrington and Leigh Wood in subsequent bouts.
"Nick's a great fighter and ex-world champion who was beating them all, so I expect a good scrap. He's a hard man, so let's do it," Cacace said.
"I'll fight with him, I'll box him – whatever way he wants, so we'll see what happens on the night. I'm really looking forward to it.
"Belfast around Christmas time is going to be jumping, so I'm really looking forward to it."
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Re: Anthony Cacace vs. Nick Ball | DAZN - 19 December 2026
WBA RULES ON CACACE-BALL SITUATION
The WBA has elevated Elnur Samedov to full WBA super featherweight champion, while Anthony Cacace has been given a "super champion" designation which he will be allowed to defend against Nick Ball.
The Cacace-Ball winner must face Samedov in a title consolidation bout that has take place on neutral territory. They will have 12 days after the fight to confirm their participation in the bout against Samedov.-
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Re: Anthony Cacace vs. Nick Ball | DAZN - 19 December 2026
Anthony Cacace now WBA 'super' champ at 140lbs; Elnur Samedov also elevated
The World Boxing Association (WBA) is to elevate both Anthony Cacace and Elnur Samedov in the junior lightweight class.
Cacace, previously the ‘world’ champion, is now the ‘super’ champion and Samedov, previously the ‘interim’ beltholder, is now the ‘world’ champion.
In essence, this is to allow Cacace to defend his title against Nick Ball in Belfast, Northern Ireland on December 19 rather than face punishment for not defending against Samedov, who was his mandatory at 130lbs.
“Subsequently, the winner of that bout will be required to defend the Super Championship against Elnur Samedov, who will hold champion status, in a mandatory bout,” wrote the WBA in their ‘resolution’ statement.
“The fight must take place in neutral territory, at a venue approved by all parties involved, and on a date to be determined by the WBA Championships Committee.
“The resolution further establishes that, once the bout between Cacace and his opponent [Ball] has concluded, the winner will have 12 days to confirm his participation in the mandatory bout against Samedov.”
Russia’s Samedov, 22-1 (11 KOs), last fought in June when he stopped John Lenon Gutierrez in 11 rounds. He is the latest in an increasingly long line of fighters to be awarded ‘world champion’ status without earning it in the ring.
Under the terms of this development, he will be permitted to defend his new title within the aforementioned timeframe.
In June, the WBA ordered a bout between Cacace and Samedov only for it to be rejected – when thought to be heading to Belfast – by the British Boxing Board of Control due to their current rules about Russian athletes competing in their jurisdiction.
Queensberry Promotions, promoter of Cacace, then requested special permission in August for the voluntary defense against Ball to be permitted while the mandatory situation was resolved.
Cacace, 25-1 (9 KOs), last fought in March when he won the belt by defeating James “Jazza” Dickens on points over 12 rounds.
The World Boxing Association (WBA) is to elevate both Anthony Cacace and Elnur Samedov in the junior lightweight class.
Cacace, previously the ‘world’ champion, is now the ‘super’ champion and Samedov, previously the ‘interim’ beltholder, is now the ‘world’ champion.
In essence, this is to allow Cacace to defend his title against Nick Ball in Belfast, Northern Ireland on December 19 rather than face punishment for not defending against Samedov, who was his mandatory at 130lbs.
“Subsequently, the winner of that bout will be required to defend the Super Championship against Elnur Samedov, who will hold champion status, in a mandatory bout,” wrote the WBA in their ‘resolution’ statement.
“The fight must take place in neutral territory, at a venue approved by all parties involved, and on a date to be determined by the WBA Championships Committee.
“The resolution further establishes that, once the bout between Cacace and his opponent [Ball] has concluded, the winner will have 12 days to confirm his participation in the mandatory bout against Samedov.”
Russia’s Samedov, 22-1 (11 KOs), last fought in June when he stopped John Lenon Gutierrez in 11 rounds. He is the latest in an increasingly long line of fighters to be awarded ‘world champion’ status without earning it in the ring.
Under the terms of this development, he will be permitted to defend his new title within the aforementioned timeframe.
In June, the WBA ordered a bout between Cacace and Samedov only for it to be rejected – when thought to be heading to Belfast – by the British Boxing Board of Control due to their current rules about Russian athletes competing in their jurisdiction.
Queensberry Promotions, promoter of Cacace, then requested special permission in August for the voluntary defense against Ball to be permitted while the mandatory situation was resolved.
Cacace, 25-1 (9 KOs), last fought in March when he won the belt by defeating James “Jazza” Dickens on points over 12 rounds.
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Re: Anthony Cacace vs. Nick Ball | DAZN - 19 December 2026
WBA outlines title shenanigans for Anthony Cacace vs Nick Ball
The winner of Anthony Cacace vs Nick Ball in December has to fight Elnur Samedov afterwards
The WBA posted a resolution yesterday outlining the tomfoolery involved in Anthony Cacace’s December 19th super featherweight title defense against Nick Ball in Belfast.
Like me, you may have assumed that Cacace (25-1, 9 KO), who beat Jazza Dickens for the belt in March, was repeating his IBF tactics of ignoring his mandatory challenger in favor of big-money domestic tussles until the time came to ditch the belt. As it turns out, Queensberry attempted negotiations with secondary titlist Elnur Samedov (22-1, 11 KO) and aimed to stage the bout in Northern Ireland. Unfortunately,
The situation became more complicated when the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBC) rejected the request for Samedov to compete in the United Kingdom. The decision was subsequently upheld by the British authority after reviewing documentation related to the fighter’s citizenship and residency. As a result, negotiations between the two promoters were suspended.
The statement doesn’t elaborate on what went into “reviewing documentation.” Samedov was born in Azerbaijan but lives and fights out of Russia, which has not exactly endeared itself to its fellows in the international stage of late.
In an attempt to split the baby, the WBA will revive its “super” champion designation and shunt Cacace into the slot while simultaneously upgrading Samedov from “regular” to world titlist. Cacace still gets to fight Ball (23-1-1, 13 KO), but must then face Samedov “in neutral territory, at a venue approved by all parties involved, and on a date to be determined by the WBA Championships Committee.”
Sounds like way too many moving parts to me. Honestly wouldn’t be shocked to see Cacace bin another belt; he’s 37 and may not want to spend the last bit of his career anywhere but on the biggest stages.
https://www.wbaboxing.com/boxing-news/w ... t-division
The winner of Anthony Cacace vs Nick Ball in December has to fight Elnur Samedov afterwards
The WBA posted a resolution yesterday outlining the tomfoolery involved in Anthony Cacace’s December 19th super featherweight title defense against Nick Ball in Belfast.
Like me, you may have assumed that Cacace (25-1, 9 KO), who beat Jazza Dickens for the belt in March, was repeating his IBF tactics of ignoring his mandatory challenger in favor of big-money domestic tussles until the time came to ditch the belt. As it turns out, Queensberry attempted negotiations with secondary titlist Elnur Samedov (22-1, 11 KO) and aimed to stage the bout in Northern Ireland. Unfortunately,
The situation became more complicated when the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBC) rejected the request for Samedov to compete in the United Kingdom. The decision was subsequently upheld by the British authority after reviewing documentation related to the fighter’s citizenship and residency. As a result, negotiations between the two promoters were suspended.
The statement doesn’t elaborate on what went into “reviewing documentation.” Samedov was born in Azerbaijan but lives and fights out of Russia, which has not exactly endeared itself to its fellows in the international stage of late.
In an attempt to split the baby, the WBA will revive its “super” champion designation and shunt Cacace into the slot while simultaneously upgrading Samedov from “regular” to world titlist. Cacace still gets to fight Ball (23-1-1, 13 KO), but must then face Samedov “in neutral territory, at a venue approved by all parties involved, and on a date to be determined by the WBA Championships Committee.”
Sounds like way too many moving parts to me. Honestly wouldn’t be shocked to see Cacace bin another belt; he’s 37 and may not want to spend the last bit of his career anywhere but on the biggest stages.
https://www.wbaboxing.com/boxing-news/w ... t-division
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Re: Anthony Cacace vs. Nick Ball | DAZN - 19 December 2026
Launch presser is tmoro
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Re: Anthony Cacace vs. Nick Ball | DAZN - 19 December 2026
How does Ball get a shot at a world.title? He got Absoultely iced at weight below. No way should he move up a weight and his next fight be for a world title. Sums the WBA up sanctioning this.
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Re: Anthony Cacace vs. Nick Ball | DAZN - 19 December 2026
Ball may never be the same again after the Figueroa fight, jumping up a weight too.
He'll look tiny compared to Cacace who's a spiteful puncher.
He'll look tiny compared to Cacace who's a spiteful puncher.
Re: Anthony Cacace vs. Nick Ball | DAZN - 19 December 2026
I think that was Mark Chamberlain
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Re: Anthony Cacace vs. Nick Ball | DAZN - 19 December 2026
Crocker sets sights on route back to the top
The flight home from Australia in June was a little longer for Lewis Crocker as he pondered his defeat by Liam Paro in his first defence of the IBF welterweight title.
A storming finish by the Belfast man was not enough to turn things around as all three judges gave Paro a 115-113 decision and the Australian realised his dream of becoming a two-weight champion.
Crocker grew into that fight and seemed on the brink of finding a finish in the late rounds, but Paro held on and Crocker lost his grip on the title he won last September in Belfast's Windsor Park against Paddy Donovan - his record slipping to 22 wins with one loss.
"Shoulda, woulda, coulda," is how the 29-year-old reflects on that night in Brisbane - one in which he was so near yet so far away, yet his first career defeat has not dented confidence, but only served to fuel his desire to rise again.
"I got beaten on a very close decision in a world title fight against a two-weight world champion," Crocker told BBC Sport NI.
"I gained experience from it anyway, and at 29 I've still got plenty more for whatever opportunity is coming.
"I felt like I had him hurt a lot of times and he was holding, if he gets a point taken off then I win the fight. Shoulda, woulda, coulda...
"That was a long fight back, but I'm over it because I know I'm right there. My main focus now is going to be a two-time world champion."
'It's good to be back in Belfast'
The first step on that quest takes place at The O2 in Belfast on 19 December when Crocker faces former English champion Owen Cooper [12-2] on the undercard of the Anthony Cacace v Nick Ball world super-featherweight title clash.
Perhaps it's further evidence that the old promotional cold war in British boxing is over as Crocker - promoted by Matchroom - will box on a Queensberry card and he is delighted to be back on home turf, promising fans a "Christmas Crocker" on the night.
That his first world title defence didn't take place in his home city instead of over 10,000 miles away on the east coast of Australia could be a source of consternation.
However, Crocker has always held a philosophical view of it all, insisting the opportunity to defend a world title in Australia is "something you'd dream of as a kid".
Still, it is good to be home as he embarks upon a route back to the top and while opportunities may present themselves in 2027, Crocker is not looking past the challenge of 26-year-old Cooper who will see this as his golden ticket.
"It would have been great to have a first defence in Belfast, but ultimately it doesn't matter - there's still two men getting into the ring," Crocker reasoned.
"It's good to be back in Belfast anyway, and get on the road to two-time world champion.
"More than anything now, I want to be a two-time world champion and we've a great plan ahead but I'm not looking past Owen, because he's a great fighter and I'm expecting a really tough test."
Crocker's old foe Paddy Donovan is front of the queue to face Paro, while the welterweight division has come alive once again with some of the sport's biggest names in Ryan Garcia [WBC], Teofimo Lopez [WBA] and Devin Haney [WBO] holding the other titles.
A second shot at a title at Windsor Park where he won his first against Donovan "would be great" but whomever and wherever, Crocker would be happy to take.
"There are four world titles out there, so any one of them [would be great]," he continued.
" back on track and push towards it, but as I say, Owen's my main focus right now."
The flight home from Australia in June was a little longer for Lewis Crocker as he pondered his defeat by Liam Paro in his first defence of the IBF welterweight title.
A storming finish by the Belfast man was not enough to turn things around as all three judges gave Paro a 115-113 decision and the Australian realised his dream of becoming a two-weight champion.
Crocker grew into that fight and seemed on the brink of finding a finish in the late rounds, but Paro held on and Crocker lost his grip on the title he won last September in Belfast's Windsor Park against Paddy Donovan - his record slipping to 22 wins with one loss.
"Shoulda, woulda, coulda," is how the 29-year-old reflects on that night in Brisbane - one in which he was so near yet so far away, yet his first career defeat has not dented confidence, but only served to fuel his desire to rise again.
"I got beaten on a very close decision in a world title fight against a two-weight world champion," Crocker told BBC Sport NI.
"I gained experience from it anyway, and at 29 I've still got plenty more for whatever opportunity is coming.
"I felt like I had him hurt a lot of times and he was holding, if he gets a point taken off then I win the fight. Shoulda, woulda, coulda...
"That was a long fight back, but I'm over it because I know I'm right there. My main focus now is going to be a two-time world champion."
'It's good to be back in Belfast'
The first step on that quest takes place at The O2 in Belfast on 19 December when Crocker faces former English champion Owen Cooper [12-2] on the undercard of the Anthony Cacace v Nick Ball world super-featherweight title clash.
Perhaps it's further evidence that the old promotional cold war in British boxing is over as Crocker - promoted by Matchroom - will box on a Queensberry card and he is delighted to be back on home turf, promising fans a "Christmas Crocker" on the night.
That his first world title defence didn't take place in his home city instead of over 10,000 miles away on the east coast of Australia could be a source of consternation.
However, Crocker has always held a philosophical view of it all, insisting the opportunity to defend a world title in Australia is "something you'd dream of as a kid".
Still, it is good to be home as he embarks upon a route back to the top and while opportunities may present themselves in 2027, Crocker is not looking past the challenge of 26-year-old Cooper who will see this as his golden ticket.
"It would have been great to have a first defence in Belfast, but ultimately it doesn't matter - there's still two men getting into the ring," Crocker reasoned.
"It's good to be back in Belfast anyway, and get on the road to two-time world champion.
"More than anything now, I want to be a two-time world champion and we've a great plan ahead but I'm not looking past Owen, because he's a great fighter and I'm expecting a really tough test."
Crocker's old foe Paddy Donovan is front of the queue to face Paro, while the welterweight division has come alive once again with some of the sport's biggest names in Ryan Garcia [WBC], Teofimo Lopez [WBA] and Devin Haney [WBO] holding the other titles.
A second shot at a title at Windsor Park where he won his first against Donovan "would be great" but whomever and wherever, Crocker would be happy to take.
"There are four world titles out there, so any one of them [would be great]," he continued.
" back on track and push towards it, but as I say, Owen's my main focus right now."
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Re: Anthony Cacace vs. Nick Ball | DAZN - 19 December 2026
Ball seeks redemption with win over Anthony Cacace
Nick Ball is eager to redeem himself after his first loss as he challenges Anthony Cacace for the WBA junior lightweight title at Belfast’s O2 Arena on December 19.
Little has been heard from Ball (23-1-1, 13 KOs) since Brandon Figueroa stopped him in the final round of a WBA featherweight title defense in February.
The news that he had stepped up to 130 pounds came as a mild surprise, but the announcement that the 29-year-old Liverpudlian was going straight into a fight with the in-form Cacace (25-1, 9 KOs) without a tune-up was more unexpected.
A fight with the Northern Irishman was unlikely to be part of Ball’s agenda at the start of 2026, but he didn’t hesitate to take a dangerous shortcut back to world-title level when it was offered.
“Not really. Anything can happen in boxing, as you know,” Ball told Queensberry.
“Everyone’s excited for it. They were shocked when they heard we were fighting, but everyone's excited for it and can't wait for it. They're the fights you want to be in.”
The low-profile Ball has always been a man of action.
Rather than undertake a PR campaign to excuse the loss to Figueroa or look for an easy route back, Ball stepped away from the spotlight and made sure he was ready to take the first opportunity that came his way.
“That's what I'm here for, though, these massive fights,” he said.
“It’s alright saying in an interview what you're going to do; you’ve got to get in and do it, and that's what I do. That's what I'm all about. I don't really like doing the extra stuff and the things that come with it, but they come with it, and they've got to be done. I'd rather just get in and fight.
“That's what I've always done. So, that's what you get from me.”
Standing 5-foot-3, Ball has spent his entire life fighting men who tower over him, but can his aggressive style carry at junior lightweight?
In March 2024, he bullied the much taller Rey Vargas around the ring in a WBC featherweight title fight.
Although he dropped the lanky Mexican veteran twice, Ball settled for a controversial draw. The result, however, proved that he's still effective at world level and, just three months later, he outfought Ray Ford to win the WBA belt.
Figueroa also towered over Ball, and while the aggressive Texan tends to give away his height and reach advantage, he still found plenty of success in the pocket before the late, dramatic finish.
Cacace, 38, is tall, wiry, and a deceptively hard puncher. On paper, it looks like a tough task for Ball, but he is used to being overlooked.
“I feel like a lot of people underestimate my strength, my pressure, my boxing ability as well. So, yeah, we have to wait and see what happens on the night.
Nick Ball is eager to redeem himself after his first loss as he challenges Anthony Cacace for the WBA junior lightweight title at Belfast’s O2 Arena on December 19.
Little has been heard from Ball (23-1-1, 13 KOs) since Brandon Figueroa stopped him in the final round of a WBA featherweight title defense in February.
The news that he had stepped up to 130 pounds came as a mild surprise, but the announcement that the 29-year-old Liverpudlian was going straight into a fight with the in-form Cacace (25-1, 9 KOs) without a tune-up was more unexpected.
A fight with the Northern Irishman was unlikely to be part of Ball’s agenda at the start of 2026, but he didn’t hesitate to take a dangerous shortcut back to world-title level when it was offered.
“Not really. Anything can happen in boxing, as you know,” Ball told Queensberry.
“Everyone’s excited for it. They were shocked when they heard we were fighting, but everyone's excited for it and can't wait for it. They're the fights you want to be in.”
The low-profile Ball has always been a man of action.
Rather than undertake a PR campaign to excuse the loss to Figueroa or look for an easy route back, Ball stepped away from the spotlight and made sure he was ready to take the first opportunity that came his way.
“That's what I'm here for, though, these massive fights,” he said.
“It’s alright saying in an interview what you're going to do; you’ve got to get in and do it, and that's what I do. That's what I'm all about. I don't really like doing the extra stuff and the things that come with it, but they come with it, and they've got to be done. I'd rather just get in and fight.
“That's what I've always done. So, that's what you get from me.”
Standing 5-foot-3, Ball has spent his entire life fighting men who tower over him, but can his aggressive style carry at junior lightweight?
In March 2024, he bullied the much taller Rey Vargas around the ring in a WBC featherweight title fight.
Although he dropped the lanky Mexican veteran twice, Ball settled for a controversial draw. The result, however, proved that he's still effective at world level and, just three months later, he outfought Ray Ford to win the WBA belt.
Figueroa also towered over Ball, and while the aggressive Texan tends to give away his height and reach advantage, he still found plenty of success in the pocket before the late, dramatic finish.
Cacace, 38, is tall, wiry, and a deceptively hard puncher. On paper, it looks like a tough task for Ball, but he is used to being overlooked.
“I feel like a lot of people underestimate my strength, my pressure, my boxing ability as well. So, yeah, we have to wait and see what happens on the night.