Cheeky assignment for big hitting Ball
Danny Ball…looking to bounce back from defeat at the Hangar
DANNY Ball looks to bounce back from his loss to Paddy Donovan with victory on BCB’s “Havoc at the Hangar VIII” show in Wolverhampton on Friday.
The Kingswinford KO artist boxes Dwain “Cheeky” Grant over six rounds. It’s a sensible return: Grant has won only three of 21 (one draw) and hasn’t had his hand raised in victory for five years.
He’s a hard man to budge, however, with only two losses coming inside distance.
“This fight is all about getting back to winning ways,” said Ball. “I want to put myself back in the title mix and right what went wrong against Paddy. It’s good to be back boxing locally. As much as I enjoy the road trips, only a handful of people could come over to Ireland, but this time being close to home means I will have a lot more support."
The 27-year-old made the short flight across the Irish Sea to face the unbeaten Donovan at the 3 Arena in Dublin in November. Despite bravely climbing off the canvas in the fourth of their scheduled ten-rounder, a second knockdown shortly after forced his corner to throw in the towel.
It was a frustrating loss, especially as Danny had one of his best wins in his previous contest against Jamie Robinson in May. That six-month layoff played its part, with Ball having to get himself down to the fighting weight after taking the bout on less notice than he would have liked.
“I may have lost the fight, but I made him (Donovan) look better than he actually is. I took the opportunity, but I was walking around too heavy and had to lose a lot of pounds to get down to welterweight. It’s still a weight class I want to be in - there are bigger opportunities and bigger names there than at super welterweight.
“I’m still highly ranked and want those big 50/50 fights. It’s about getting some momentum and staying active. I feel like I have been avoided and it has been hard to get the big ones locked in unless someone wants me at short notice."
The English champion loves training and has found the perfect environment under coach Richie Ghent at RG Boxfit in Bilston, alongside stablemate Conah Walker.
“I have been a full-time pro since 2021, so I have the time to put in two sessions a day. They are a great bunch of lads - we see each other more than our families, so you have to be able to get on, and we do. Richie has a good system for us all and there is nobody else I would want guiding me in my career.
“At my age, I am entering my prime, but I know I have to be dedicated year-round, so there is less pressure on the killer sessions to get me in shape. In 2024, I want to box regularly and will take any shot that is at the level I know I should be fighting at.
The Hangar show is headlined by two Midlands title fights as Jermaine Osbourne-Edwards faces Jamie Stewart at super lightweight and Lewis Morris takes on Ryan Griffiths at featherweight. Ball fought for the same belt at welterweight five years ago against Kaisee Benjamin and had some words of advice for those hoping to make their first step on the championship ladder.
“The lads need to just enjoy the experience and not put too much pressure on themselves. If they box relaxed, the punches will flow and they will get the best outcome on the night.”
Tickets for Havoc at the Hangar VIII are now available, priced at £40 standard and £75 VIP, from the boxers directly or by emailing info@bcb-promotions.com.
*Image MSN Images/BCB Promotions