FROM plastering with his dad to the pinnacle of the featherweight division, Nick Ball is hoping this time he gets a smooth ride with the judges.
The Liverpool puncher takes on WBA champion Ray Ford this weekend in Saudi Arabia (squaring up, above).
The second shot at a world title comes just a few months after he was harshly denied in his first crack against WBC champion Rey Vargas in the same venue. That ended in a controversial draw.
But Ball, 27, is tough enough to deal with the disappointment and use it as fuel to ensure he's not left empty-handed again when he faces the much-fancied unbeaten American.
He's never been a hugelyhyped name and he had to build his reputation slowly on small-hall shows and undercards. Now he's fighting on the grand stage in Saudi. He puts it down to a hard-work ethic, something he picked up from dad Stan.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der May 31, 2024-Ausgabe von Daily Mirror UK.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der May 31, 2024-Ausgabe von Daily Mirror UK.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
YOU'RE HAVING A LAUGH, MAX
Norris brushes off 'comedian' Verstappen's car taunt
ITALIAN ROB
Ange stars stunned as Hummels strikes a late blow
MIND THE GAP
Victory over City would put the Kop ELEVEN points clear but Van Dijk warns Reds not to derail their dream by thinking league is already in the bag
School abuse rises
A THIRD of school support staff witness verbal abuse and violence every day, a survey reveals today.
159,380 kids 'subjected to trauma of homelessness
A RECORD toll of almost 160,000 children are being \"subjected to the trauma of homelessness\".
RUSSIAN SPY RING'S 'HONEY TRAP' PLOT
Bulgarian trio in espionage trial
Thank God those Oasis 6*****ds did rip-off b* prices. I'd have done it!
Robbie's dig at Gallaghers during his star-studded biopic premiere party
Ross: It may not be Ender the road yet
TV hardman Ross Kemp is shaping up for a comeback as Grant Mitchell for EastEnders' 40th birthday in February.
The bitterest pill
Budget 'forcing chemists to shut or cut their hours'
Mum... you're my best friend
Last words that haunt Saskia's grieving mother