ONCE again, Nick Ball proved last night that he not only offers tremendous value in each of his performances but is perhaps also the most elite operator on British shores.
In defending his WBA world featherweight title against TJ Doheny, the 28-year-old has kept himself in pole position for a potential blockbuster showdown later this year.
But regardless of whether that comes to fruition, it is worth taking a closer look at five talking points from the Echo Arena in Liverpool, England.
Ionut Baluta loves claiming British scalps
With several notable wins on his record, the justification to call Ionut Baluta a gatekeeper is swiftly diminishing.
While he was originally invited to the UK for no other reason but to lose, it has now become almost satisfying whenever the sturdy campaigner emerges victorious.
Judge Zoltan Enyedi’s scorecard of 98-91 in favour of the 31-year-old, of course, was nothing short of disgraceful in a fight where many felt that Brad Strand had done enough to win.
But still, Baluta, 17-5-1 (3 KOs), nonetheless continues to represent an arduous night’s work for any fighter in the lower divisions.
Jadier Herrera is a character
Despite not producing his most polished performance, highly-touted Cuban Jadier Herrera displayed glimpses that he is indeed a future star.
Sure enough, the 22-year-old was forced to overcome a few moments of adversity before securing a seventh-round stoppage victory over Mexico’s Jose Enriquez
But it were his audacious actions after the fight that really captivated his growing fanbase, with Herrera, 17-0 (15 KOs), doing his best Naseem Hamed impression in a bizarre celebratory dance.
Even aside from his charisma, ‘One Billion’ seemingly has the talent to shine under the tutelage of esteemed trainer Joe McNally.
Jack Turner has a bright future
Jack Turner, another member of McNally’s flourishing Rotunda Gym, made quick work of what promised to be a stern test against Ryan Farrag.
Fiercely confident in his approach, the 23-year-old looks to be a destructive addition to the domestic scene at super-flyweight based on his statement second-round stoppage last night.
Not only that but, in a few years down the line, Liverpool could even crown its next world champion, with Turner, 11-0 (10 KOs), possessing many of the ingredients to build a terrific career for himself.
Charlie Edwards came to survive
Any fighter who moves laterally around the perimeter of the ring, but rarely initiates any exchanges, should never expect to win on points.
And yet, despite remaining frustratingly passive throughout his 12 rounds with Andrew Cain, former world champion Charlie Edwards very nearly edged a split decision.
In fairness, the 32-year-old’s ability to keep shifting his feet was mightily impressive but, without maintaining a high punch output, there should ultimately be no complaints with the overall result.
And while Cain, 14-1 (12 KOs), could have done a better job at cutting off the ring, it was a fight where opportunities to land his spiteful attacks were few and far between.
Nick Ball needs a meaningful test before facing Naoya Inoue
Ball’s dominant 10th-round stoppage victory over seasoned veteran Doheny, 26-6 (20 KOs), offered little more than a reminder of his relentless pressure and ferocious tenacity.
If anything, the 28-year-old’s decision to kick his opponent after freeing himself from a headlock only enhanced his no-nonsense aura.
But while a possible clash with two-division undisputed king Naoya Inoue continues to dangle in front of him, Ball, 22-0-1 (13 KOs) must now resume his momentum before taking on the almighty challenge.
And so, his next outing, whenever it may be, will hopefully provide him with sufficient preparation for what should be, if it materialises, the toughest fight of his career.
