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.
Denne historien er fra May 31, 2024-utgaven av Daily Mirror UK.
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Denne historien er fra May 31, 2024-utgaven av Daily Mirror UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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