Ball back with a win - now for more titles

Ball has Middleton backing up. Picture: MSN Images

AFTER a difficult loss to Paddy Donovan last time out, Danny Ball got an important confidence-boosting win at the Hangar, dropping Luke Middleton in the third round en route to a wide-points victory. 

The Kingswinford 27-year-old looked several levels above his late-notice opponent, his punches flowing with ease. Ball showed a skillset that has seen him already win an English title.

A crisp right hand sent Middleton to the canvas, but he recovered and, despite taking some heavy punishment in the fourth round, survived to the final bell.

There will be tougher tests for Ball as he has his sights set on establishing himself in another major title fight. But he handled Friday’s task perfectly, taking the decision 40-35.