Raymond Ford vs. Nick Ball Stats Comparison and Prediction: Record, Age, Height, Reach, Weight, and Knockout Ratio

It’s a face-off between two tough and lion-hearted fighters. Along with the pride of Frank Warren and Eddie Hearn, the WBA featherweight title is also on the line when Raymond Ford and Nick Ball clash this June 1 in Saudi Arabia as part of the extravagant Queensberry vs. Matchroom 5×5 card. But who will help his team go one-up on the other team?

Ford vs. Ball is the most interesting matchup on the bill, as the two boxers have showcased their insatiable desire to end up as a winner even in the worst-case scenario. The fight has war and carnage written all over it. But before that happens, let’s see how the two stack up before their high-stakes clash.

Raymond Ford vs. Nick Ball: tale of the tape

Ford, 25, is the younger of the two but has carved out a reputation as a tough fighter, who never gives up. His unblemished record of 15-0-1 with 8 KOs is also a testament to his boxing acumen. Moreover, his KO ratio of 53.33% suggests a perfect blend of method and madness. What separates the American boxer from his challenger is his size advantage.

Ford stands taller at 5’7″ (170 cm) compared to Ball, who is 5’2″ (157 cm). He also carries the reach advantage at 69″ (175 cm). However, Ball, 27, is more experienced with 20 fights under his belts, winning 19 of those and drawing the latest one. The British boxer has a more fan-friendly style, as he has racked up 11 of those victories through knockouts and boasts of a 57.89% KO ratio.

Despite his short stature, Ball comes in heavier at 126.0 lbs (57.2 kgs) as he leverages his weight to generate devastating heavy punches. Meanwhile, Ford is more slick at 125.9 lbs (57.1 kgs). The fight on paper promises violence and might offer fans plenty of fireworks. In addition, it seems an excellent stylistic matchup for the viewers.

Recent form, momentum, and fighting style

Ford showed heart when he dropped the undefeated Otabek Kholmatov in the dying seconds of their 12th round to crown himself the WBA champion. The Camden native needed a KO strike, and he generated one when needed. The performance suggests his toughness, no quit attitude, and willingness not to give away his zero yet, stretching his undefeated record to 16 fights.

What works for Ford is his excellent footwork, fast reflexes and movements, and his sharp and hard punches. Ball, on the other hand, brings the pressure and tries to be more physical to negate the size disadvantage that he carries in most of the fights. He also appears to be a better-skilled technician, whose reputation has only grown multifold ever since stopping Issac Lowe a couple of years ago.

That win propelled him into world rankings and touched a new high when he defended former world champion Isaac Dogboe. The Liverpudlian most recently came languishing closer to defeating Ray Vargas in a fight that many thought he won. But can he finish the job this time?

Prediction: Who wins it?

Very recently, Ford expressed his desire to rehydrate to 160 lbs and gain close to 34 lbs in advantage on the fight night, as WBA hasn’t decided to enforce its rehydration restrictions yet. This leaves Ball in a tight place, as he always found himself at a size disadvantage and he would find it difficult to impose his will as he did in his previous fights.

The WBA champion is also not shying away from meeting his challenger in the middle of the ring. As he expects a physical fight from Ball, he is ready to take the fight to him. The plan is clear. Not to allow Ball to bully, dictate the pace, and fight at close pockets. And if Ball does, Ford is willing to trade with him. It won’t be the first time Ball’s ability to produce something out of thin air will be tested, as he will be pitted against adversity.

He also has to figure out how to nullify Ford’s height and gain an advantage. While he surely will have a tough night in the office, it’s not something he hasn’t faced before. What do you make of this coming fight between Raymond Ford and Nick Ball? Who will emerge victorious between the two? Let us know in the comments below.