Nick Ball Claims Featherweight World Title in Thrilling Split Decision Victory Over Raymond Ford

On a night brimming with electrifying action, Liverpool's own Nick Ball ascended to featherweight world champion status, securing a split decision victory over Raymond Ford from Camden, New Jersey. The bout, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday night, was a testament to both fighters' fierce competitiveness and skill, leaving fans at the edge of their seats.

With a record of 20-0-1 and 11 KOs, Ball came into this fight seeking redemption after a contentious draw in his previous world title attempt, where he knocked down Rey Vargas in a WBC title bout in March. Ford, holding a 15-1-1 record with 8 KOs, was defending the title he had earned by stopping Otabek Kholmatov in the same month.

The opening rounds saw the aggressive and compact Ball imposing his style, pressing forward relentlessly. Ford, however, remained composed, utilizing his reach to land precise counter shots to both the body and head. The early rounds were evenly matched, each fighter having their moments, but by the end of the third round, Ball's pressure seemed to be gaining the upper hand as a cut appeared under Ford's right eye.

Both fighters showcased formidable defences, with tight guards blocking many incoming punches. Ford focused on body shots, while Ball's looping punches sought to penetrate Ford's guard. As the fight progressed into rounds 4 through 6, Ball appeared to take control. His relentless combinations found their mark with increasing regularity, and Ford struggled to keep him at bay, seeming somewhat bewildered by Ball's intensity.

The seventh round marked a shift as Ford mounted a more aggressive response, landing a pair of fierce left hands that caused blood to gush from Ball's nose. This moment seemed to reinvigorate Ford, who gained confidence and temporarily disrupted Ball's rhythm. In the eighth, Ford landed a significant left uppercut that momentarily halted Ball's advance, though Ball quickly resumed his barrage of combinations.

As the fight entered its final third, the action intensified. Both men, showing signs of fatigue, began landing more frequently as their high guards lowered. Ball maintained a higher volume of punches, while Ford responded with selective, impactful counters. In rounds 10 and 11, Ford seemed to regain his footing, asserting himself more in the centre of the ring and throwing with greater authority. Ball, appearing more fatigued, was less dominant but still dangerous.

The final round was a display of sheer willpower from both fighters. With the outcome hanging in the balance, they exchanged heavy blows, each seeking to secure victory. A powerful uppercut and right hand from Ford hurt Ball, but the Liverpudlian refused to back down, responding with his own uppercut despite his bleeding nose. The closing moments saw both fighters unleashing everything they had, leaving the judges with a difficult decision.

When the dust settled, the scorecards reflected the fight's razor-thin margin. Judge Byung Moo Kim scored it 115-113 for Ford but was overruled by Pawel Kardyni and Jean-Robert Laine, who both scored it 115-113 in favor of Ball. With this split decision, Nick Ball emerged as the new WBA featherweight world champion.

Ball expressed his aspirations to unify the featherweight belts post-fight, signalling his intent to dominate the 126-pound division. Meanwhile, Ford, who had hinted at struggles with the featherweight limit, announced his decision to move up to 130 pounds, aiming for new challenges in the super featherweight division.