In one of two world title clashes on the Anthony Joshua vs. Francis Ngannou card, Liverpool’s Nick Ball (19-0) challenges for featherweight gold against reigning WBC champion Rey Vargas (36-1).
Despite a lack of experience at world level, it is Ball who goes into the bout as the favourite, but he and the rest of the boxing world knows it will be no easy task. Vargas’ main area for concern is that he is yet to defend his title, despite winning the belt in July 2022.
Since then, the Mexican has attempted to become a three-division world champion in a move up to super-featherweight, but was unable to trouble O’Shaquie Foster when they met thirteen months ago.
That inactivity may raise eyebrows, but Vargas’ strength is his size at the weight, and more importantly the fact that he knows how to use it to his advantage.
At around 5’11”, the former WBC super-bantamweight champion tends to tower over most of his opponents and stick to boxing behind an educate jab, keeping the distance and utilising the fundamentals.
This style has seen the 33-year-old coast to numerous decision victories, with his last nine bouts going to the judges in a run that dates back to 2016, but there are few fighters on the planet that could coast in this match-up.
Ball is renowned for his 5’2” stature and aggressive style of fighting. The Scouser has made a career out of closing the distance effectively and unloading shots, but with an apparent nine-inch reach disadvantage, Vargas could prove to be a stylistic nightmare.
If Vargas is at his best, we expect him to win, but there are question marks as to whether he may be on the decline.
Still, we are opting for a Vargas win on the cards, as he’s wiser than previous Ball opponents at utilising his size, but don’t be surprised if there are hairy moments due to the come-forward pressure from Ball.
Prediction – Vargas on points
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Anthony Joshua vs. Francis Ngannou