Nick Ball believes he made a statement by demolishing Jesus Ramirez Rubio in one round and has set his eyes on a world title fight next year.
Ball, who now moves to 17-0 as a result of the victory, made short work of the Mexican, who was a late substitute for unbeaten Panamanian Rafael Pedroza. The 25-year-old, who is the current holder of the WBC silver featherweight belt, floored Rubio three times, with the first knockdown coming after just 50 seconds following a big left-hook.
Another left-hook then sent Rubio sprawling to the canvas, and even though referee Victor Loughlin allowed the bout to continue, it wasn’t long before he was waving it off.
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“It is going to be a big 2023,” Ball said. “I’ve just got to keep winning, keep staying active, keep getting the fights in and keep putting statement performances on like that.”
And when asked about the late change of opponent, Ball replied: “It’s not ideal but that is boxing for you. We know what we sign up for and it is just one of them things.
“I feel like I handled it like a true professional and a champion. The main thing was the performance and what I have just done there and that’s what paid off.
“I’m tough. I will show you how to handle Mexicans in round one. I’m not a regular UK fighter, I am different from them all.”
Josh Warrington, Leigh Wood and Kiko Martinez have all been mentioned as possible opponents for Ball next year, but his eyes are on the champions.
“Definitely, that is what I want, the big one. That’s the only direction to go, the top, and that is the only direction we are going,” he replied to IFLTV when asked about a mega fight next year.
“What we got in this boxing is for world titles and I feel like all I need is the opportunity to fight for one and I am ready to fight them.
“No names. I don’t have to call no-one out. Whoever has got the world titles, that is who I am coming for regardless of who it is. I want to show I am the best."
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