Nick Ball claims his fighting style is heavily inspired by the legendary Mike Tyson, a fact evident in his aggressive, relentless approach inside the ring.
Ball, much like Tyson, employs a fierce, forward-moving approach that seeks to overwhelm his opponents with constant pressure and powerful combinations.
Ball is also looking to replicate Tyson’s ability to end fights in devastating fashion when he faces Raymond Ford on Saturday evening.
‘I’ve always looked up to Mike Tyson’, Ball told Mail Sport. ‘I appreciate his style of boxing and wanted to incorporate that into my own style.
‘No messing about, looking to get the job done against his opponents. It’s all action and I think that is what everyone wants to watch as well.
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Nick Ball (pictured) has opened up on how Mike Tyson’s style of boxing has influenced his own fighting style
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The Brit, who is undefeated, will participate in Queensberry and Matchroom’s 5v5 on Saturday
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He said that fans ‘get your money’s worth’ when watching the likes of Tyson (pictured) and himself in the ring
‘You get your money’s worth when you are watching people like me and Mike Tyson because it is all action and edge of your seat stuff.’
Additionally, it’s clear to see that Ball’s mental approach to fighting mirrors Iron Mike’s early career mindset.
Tyson was known for his intimidation factor, entering the ring with an aura of menace that often gave him a psychological edge before the first punch was thrown.
Ball exudes a similar confidence and determination, projecting an image of fearlessness and relentless pursuit, which can unsettle his opponents.
When asked about how he copes with the pressure placed upon him when fighting on big stages, Ball said he embraces it.
‘There is always pressure when you step in the ring but it’s what you do with that pressure. I always take it and apply it.
‘This is might be I am back out in Saudi Arabia because they [the Saudis] like my style and they like what I am doing. So, I just have to keep doing what I am doing.’
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Mental approach is important to Ball in a bid to get a psychological edge before the fight gets underway
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He also opened up on his controversial draw with Ray Vargas earlier this year, which caused debate in the sport
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The Brit earned two 10-8 rounds but was still adjudged to have lost on one judge’s card
Ball’s recent bout with Ray Vargas ended in a controversial draw, sparking significant debate within the boxing community.
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Despite controlling much of the second half of the contest and having two 10-8 rounds in his favour, Ball failed to emerge victorious.
The judges were split with the final scores reading 114-112 Vargas, 116-110 Ball, and 113-113 even – much to Ball’s shock.
The controversy surrounding the decision has led Ball to voice his thoughts on the potential use of artificial intelligence (AI) in judging boxing matches.
It has been suggested that AI could analyse fights in real-time, using data on punch counts, power, accuracy, and ring control to deliver more precise scores.
However, Ball is not convinced on the idea of introducing technology in the sport at the moment.
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Ball is, however, unsure on the idea of bringing artificial intelligence into boxing to help score
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He suggested scoring could be ‘corrupt’, and is determined to take the judges out of the equation on Saturday against Ford (right)
‘I don’t really know to be honest. That would become more computerised whereas boxing is real life. Your life is on the line in there so I’m sure about using technology.
‘But, then there is the fact scoring will always be, I don’t want to use the word corrupt, but possibly it is.
‘I don’t really know to be honest, I would have to give it some more thought but as fighters, it’s our job to win the fight.
‘We have to do everything we can to win and we have to take it out of the judges hands. That’s what we are always looking to do.’
Ball’s controversial draw with Vargas highlights ongoing issues with boxing’s scoring system and opens up a broader discussion about the role of technology in the sport.
