Error code: %{errorCode}
How can Nick Ball beat Naoya Inoue? The DAZN News Panel discusses potential blockbuster clash
After enjoying a stellar 2024 where he became world champion with victory over Ray Ford, can this year be even better for the Liverpool man?
One way he could improve on the last 12 months is securing victory over Naoya Inoue . The Japanese superstar, one of boxing’s best fighters, is ready to move to featherweight and Ball will be waiting for him.
Here, the DAZN News panel looks at what Ball must do to cause a huge shock against ‘The Monster.’
Chris Walker – DAZN Senior Boxing Editor
Despite conceding many attributes to Naoya Inoue, Nick Ball can enter the ring confident he is the bigger and stronger man, and those two factors may be the best way to approach this fight.
Inoue has moved through weight classes with relative ease without losing his speed and power, but there have been several fights where flaws have been exposed, and better fighters may have pounced on them better.
Inoue was given a hard time by Nonito Donaire in their first fight, when the Filipino star turned back the clock and kept his foot on the pedal throughout setting a fast pace. Luis Nery was able to punch with Inoue and have success when he dropped ‘The Monster’ with a well-timed hook showing that Inoue can be hurt.
For Ball, his best chance is going at this with everything and making it as rough as possible on the inside. If Ball can push Inoue back and maintain a fast workrate throughout, he could make a dent, but that strategy, although the best one, could contain a lot of risk.
PHILIP FONG/AFP via Getty Images
Derek Bilton – DAZN News columnist
Nobody has managed to beat ‘The Monster’ in over a dozen years of professional action. Unbeaten in 29 fights (26 early), the Japanese superstar is an absolute shoe-in for the Hall-of-Fame once he calls time on his career.
However, there is a man for every man and Ball looked really sharp as he made a second successful defence of his WBA featherweight title against former world champion TJ Doheny.
Relentless pace and pressure could be the key to beating the now 31-year-old Inoue, but it has to be educated pressure as we know that the IBF, WBC and WBO super-bantamweight champion has dynamite in both hands.
That said, Nick Ball has the style and physicality to give Inoue problems, and the fact ‘The Monster’ would be jumping up yet another weight division to meet him is another positive for the Scouser.
Would the Englishman start as a betting favourite if the fight was made? Probably not, but he clearly fancies the job and it would be a fascinating battle if their respective teams can get it over the line.
Matt Astbury – DAZN News Combat Sport Expert
Nick Ball is a more than worthy opponent for Naoya Inoue, but I am unsure as to whether he could beat the ‘Monster’.
Throughout his 10 rounds with TJ Doheny, Ball lacked the killer speed which caught the attention of boxing fans and often left his body open to shots which will be exploited by Inoue.
If Ball is to beat Inoue, he would need to fight at a frantic pace and try to avoid trading. We have seen numerous times Inoue is not afraid to go hell for leather and he will have superior punching power.
So Ball will need to defend his body as much as possible and tire out Inoue by fighting at a high intensity in the hope of presenting opportunities for him to land shots of his own
Andrew Steel – DAZN News writer
Leigh Dawney/Queensberry Promotions
How can Nick Ball defeat Naoya Inoue? The answer is simple – I do not believe he can.
That might sound preposterously dismissive - after all, Ball is a terrific fighter in his own right - but the Japanese star is pound-for-pound king for a reason.
He was only knocked down for the first time in his professional career last year, and even then, went on to finish the fight early.
Ball has the tools in his arsenal to cause Inoue trouble, there is no doubt about it. But I just struggle to see a way around the champion's immaculate form, even when on the rare back foot.
Sign up to a DAZN subscription to watch the very best boxing
DAZN is the home of combat sports, broadcasting over 185 fights a year from the world's best promoters, including Matchroom, Queensberry, Golden Boy, Misfits, PFL, BKFC and more.
An Annual Saver subscription is a one-off cost of £119.99 (for 12 months access), that's just 64p per fight. Or a Monthly Flex Pass is only £24.99 per month (cancel any time).
It is not just about fight night, a DAZN membership also includes access to documentaries and features, weekly boxing magazine shows, live fight watchalongs, press conferences, weight-ins, open workouts, exclusive interviews and access to training camps, and podcasts and vodcasts.
Sign up right now to watch the biggest stars and best fights.
For pricing in your country, more information and to sign up click here.
