After securing a tenth-round stoppage victory over TJ Doheny, WBA featherweight champion Nick Ball found himself under the spotlight, with promoter Eddie Hearn expressing some concerns about a potential fight with Naoya Inoue. Last Saturday night at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, England, Ball’s performance left Hearn uneasy about the prospect of facing ‘The Monster’ Inoue. This isn’t a matchup Hearn is keen on seeing, especially considering how Doheny landed powerful punches on Ball throughout their bout. If Inoue, known for his ferocious power, were to connect in the same manner, it might be a very short night for Ball.
Understanding the Concerns
Hearn didn’t explicitly state his reasons for opposing the Inoue fight for Ball, who remains unbeaten with a record of 22-0-1 and 13 KOs. One reason could be Ball’s challenging experience against the seasoned 38-year-old Doheny. During those six intense rounds, Doheny displayed his prowess, managing to frustrate the smaller 5’2″ Ball to the point where Ball resorted to kicking him—an action rarely seen in boxing. Ball further tossed Doheny to the canvas twice. Hearn, though, didn’t seem to mind the kick too much, believing it didn’t warrant a disqualification.
In the world of boxing, fighters are generally penalized for such actions, but Hearn argued against a DQ in this particular case, even though the kick appeared substantial and Doheny clearly wasn’t simulating his fall.
Questionable Calls and Reactions
This incident has sparked questions about whether Ball is being given a pass because of his rising star status. Hearn mentioned his surprise at the referee’s leniency, with only a point deduction following Ball’s wrestling-style tactics. Many spectators felt the second body slam deserved a sterner punishment, possibly even disqualification. The question of preferential treatment looms: would the referee have been as forgiving if the roles were reversed and Doheny had been the one using such tactics against Ball?
The idea of facing Inoue now carries an extra element—the possibility of unconventional tactics like kicks and body slams influencing the fight’s outcome if officiated by a lenient referee.
Eddie Hearn Weighs In
Eddie Hearn candidly shared his thoughts with iFL TV, saying, “I don’t like the fight for Nick Ball, but I like the fight,” acknowledging the draw a matchup against Inoue would create. He anticipates Inoue’s move up in divisions might challenge his size advantage, but doubts Ball could secure a victory. Still, Hearn recognizes Ball’s talent and resilience, highlighting the young fighter’s tough character.
Hearn also pointed out the financial benefits for Ball, suggesting the fighter has already earned enough to secure a comfortable position in life. Meeting Inoue in the ring presents not just a significant challenge but a lucrative opportunity.
“Inoue is looking to face [Ramon] Cardenas and then [Murodjon] Akhmadaliev,” Hearn disclosed. “We’re in the final stages of setting up the Inoue vs. Akhmadaliev fight, and then a bout in Riyadh might feature Nick Ball. His Excellency [Turki Alalshikh] clearly favors Ball as well.”
Reflecting on the controversial kick, Hearn argued it should have resulted in a point deduction, not disqualification. He pointed out Doheny’s quick recovery, likening it to football-inspired antics, noting the referee’s judgment in the moment.
Words from the Fighters
On social media, Naoya Inoue himself commented cryptically, signaling the ever-present fighter’s confidence: “Two fists are enough for me 👊🏽👊🏽.”
This potential clash in styles and power continues to be a topic of heated discussion among fans and experts alike. As we await future announcements, the world of boxing is abuzz with what lies on the horizon for these ambitious fighters.
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