Walsall featherweight Rachel Ball is relishing her moment in the spotlight when she faces Watford’s popular Shannon Courtenay in an intriguing eight-rounder on Week 3 of Matchroom’s Fight Camp in Brentwood, Essex, on August 14.
A generous 5-2 underdog, the rangy Ball may not be a familiar name to some fans, but she’s pushed WBC interim 130lbs champ Katharina Thanderz to a majority decision in Norway after switching to boxing from kickboxing, where she won three world titles.
Courtenay might be the 1/3 betting favourite and house fighter, but the unsung Ball (5-1, 0 KOs) clearly fancies her chances. “Fans are going to have the shock of their lives,” said Ball. “They’re going to see a tall skinny ginger girl from Walsall coming in and smashing it up in Eddie [Hearn]’s back garden. I can’t wait and I think everyone is going to enjoy it. It’s going to be a brilliant fight.
“People say keep it long and I’m sure I will, but if it comes down to it, I don’t mind having a good tear up. I’d love that. That’s not a problem. How will she cope with someone who throws back at her? How will she cope with the pressure?”
“A lot of people have me down as the underdog. I’m only the underdog because people don’t know me. It’s not a reflection of my skills or my ability to fight. I’m sure they’ll see that come fight night. The underdog tag spurs me on because I want to prove to people how good a fighter I am.
“As soon as the fight was announced and it was out with the bookies, I had people putting money on me,” she added. “People back at home have been betting on me. If I win, I’m going to be really popular on August 14! Hopefully, it will be a good pay day for everyone watching at home.”
Main Image: Matchroom.