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EXCLUSIVE: Rachel Ball – Beating Courtenay, Covid and then Bridges?

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Rachel Ball could not hide her delight after securing a points win over Courtenay Photo Credit: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing

Rachel Ball defeats replacement Jorgelina Guanini to win the vacant WBC interim super bantamweight title Photo: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing
Rachel Ball defeats replacement Jorgelina Guanini to win vacant interim WBC super bantamweight title Photo: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing

Rachel Ball rose to the top of women’s boxing in a completely unpredictable way, and she admits it herself.

In the space of three years, Ball went from fighting for free to interim WBC world champion and fighting on Sky Sports. 2021 was therefore going to be even longer than the 12 months before, before the pandemic hit in January.

Ball continues to recover from the long-term effects of his injury, with a tentative return to action expected in July.

The 30-year-old began his conversation with proboxing-fans.com by reflecting on that breakthrough fight with Shannon Courtenay last August.

“It was a great fight. It’s a shame that the knockdown didn’t come later in the fight, because where I had success with the hook in the first round, I kept going for that punch. If the knockdown had happened later in the round, I think I could have made it a little easier for myself by sticking to my original game plan.

“Honestly, it kind of surprised me because it was just a good moment, and then she went on the canvas and in my head I was like, ‘Shit, I did it.'”

Ball put up a tranquil fight that night, and she noted that she felt as if “that’s what happened [her] time” and I even said it in the mirror before the fight.

Rachel Ball couldn’t hide her joy after winning the points over Courtenay. Photo: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing
Rachel Ball couldn’t hide her delight after scoring points over Courtenay. Photo credit: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing

The event was part of Matchroom Boxing’s ‘Fight Camp’ series and was Ball’s first experience in the bubble: an experience she simply couldn’t get enough of.

“It was absolutely fantastic, to be truthful, everyone seemed very swift when they were in the bubble, but I was soaking it all in and taking photos. My weight wasn’t an issue so I didn’t really have to diet and I always think that’s a key factor in enjoying the last week of camp.

“I loved being so close to everyone and just being able to meet so many different people. David [Diamante] It was particularly nice to meet and talk to him: he is always very relaxed, really laid-back and strangely withdrawn, but there is so much going on in his life and it is fascinating to talk to him.”

Shannon Courtenay recovered from being hit on the canvas in the first round.  Photo: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing
Shannon Courtenay after hitting the canvas in the first round. Photo credit: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing

The interim WBC champion had to come to terms with the fact that she would no longer be fighting on April 10 and had plenty of time to reflect on her professional career to date.

I reminded Rachel that I first saw her box on the card of the Tommy Langford v Jason Welborn match in May 2018 at Walsall Town Hall.

The only reason Rachel took home any money that night was because she placed a bet on Jason to win the main event, and he won a split decision. Rachel was unable to sell enough tickets for the four-round event, and therefore did not receive a purse.

Perhaps more than anyone else, the 30-year-old understands how much women’s boxing has changed in such a low space of time.

Katie Taylor alongside WBC super featherweight champion Terri Harper (left) and Rachel Ball (right) Photo: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing
Katie Taylor alongside WBC super featherweight champion Terri Harper (left) and Rachel Ball (right) Photo: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing

“The situation has changed enormously.

“When I turned professional, there weren’t even half the fighters there are now. It really wasn’t basic to build a career because there were just no other options – and that’s why I had to go to Norway for the fight – but more and more women are starting to see professional boxing as a reality.

Ball hopes to return to fighting in July, but remains cautious about whether that is a realistic possibility.

Looking back on her career, she admitted that she “never took anything for granted” and is grateful to her manager and promoter Errol Johnson for his long involvement in women’s boxing.

The next step will be Shannon Courtenay vs Ebanie Bridges for the full WBA title – and an additional ‘anti-bullying bracelet’ in the event of the Courtenay fight – but a return to Walsall remains quite high on the list.

“I never thought I’d get these opportunities, so I’m glad I got into the miniature venue scene because it makes me appreciate everything so much more.

“If I was fit and vigorous, I would jump at the chance to fight at Walsall Town Hall again in front of a packed house: it’s difficult to beat that atmosphere and intensity.”

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If I don’t fight Scott Fitzgerald next, I’ll move on

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Anthony Fowler stopped the brave Adam Harper last time out Photo Credit: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing

Anthony Fowler is open to fighting Scott Fitzgerald again, provided he beats Jorge Fortea on Saturday. Photo: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing
Anthony Fowler is open to fighting Scott Fitzgerald again, provided he beats Jorge Fortea on Saturday. Photo: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing

Anthony Fowler says he is keen to get revenge on Scott Fitzgerald this year but insists he will aim for the British title if that doesn’t materialise.

Fowler (13-1, 10 KO) returns to action on the undercard of his stablemate Lawrence Okolie, the WBO cruiserweight champion, against Krzysztof Głowacki when he takes on Jorge Fortea at the SSE Arena on Saturday live on Sky Sports and DAZN.

“The Machine” lost a split decision to Fitzgerald in March 2019, and a highly anticipated rematch is reportedly planned for this summer, provided he defeats Fortea and Fitzgerald wins his next fight, which is expected to take place in April or May.

The 30-year-old admits he is open to meeting his rival again if it happens in the summer, but otherwise would be considering securing a chance against the winner of Saturday’s British super-welterweight title clash between Ted Cheeseman and James Metcalf or European champion Sergio Garcia.

“I would love to box the winner of Cheeseman-Metcalf for the British title,” Fowler said Tuesday during a Zoom conference call.

“Of course [promoter] Eddie [Hearn] wants me to box Fitzgerald, which I’m very joyful about because it’s a huge fight and a chance for revenge, but also Sergio Garcia, I think I can beat him, I think I beat him.

Anthony Fowler stopped the brave Adam Harper for the last time. Photo: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing
Anthony Fowler stopped the brave Adam Harper for the last time. Photo: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing

“He is ranked really high and he is the European champion, so it is a really tough fight, but if I beat Sergio Garcia then I will not be far from a chance for the world title.

“I was told we were to fight in July and August.

“I’m not entirely sure if I should say this or not, but I don’t really care because I’m bored talking about it now.

Fowler hits the pads with trainer Shane McGuigan during Wednesday's public training session in the bubble. Photo: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing
Fowler hits the pads with trainer Shane McGuigan during Wednesday’s public training session in the bubble. Photo: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing

“I just want to either fight him [Fitzgerald] or just focus on my career. I’m willing to box him because even though he doesn’t have the belt anymore, this defeat is on my account.

“I want to tidy everything up and prove that I am a better person.”

Fowler has won four overtimes since his only loss to Fitzgerald, stopping Adam Harper in seven rounds in his last Fight Camp appearance in August, his second win under trainer Shane McGuigan.

The Liverpudlian is ranked in the top 15 by the WBA and WBO and the 2016 Olympian will be expecting a tough task against Fortea, who is ranked 15th by the IBF.

“I knew people would be surprised by the way I boxed. [against Harper]how much looser I was, my shot variety,” Fowler added.

“I knew people would see a change because I feel much different, much better, but this fight was in my favor.

“Harper wasn’t a weighty hitter, I really liked his style, whereas in Fortea he’s a lot more sneaky.

“He’s a lot more elusive, a lot more experienced and a lot more tough, so this fight will tell me a lot more about where I am in the division and how far I can go.”

Watch the full interview with Anthony Fowler below:

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When I beat Chris Kongo, I proved that I was at the highest level

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Michael McKinson remained unbeaten with a dominant win over Martin Harkin Photo Credit: Scott Rawsthorne / MTK Global

Michael McKinson clashes with Chris Kongon in the highly anticipated domestic clash on Saturday night.  Photo: Scott Rawsthorne/MTK Global
Michael McKinson clashes with Chris Kongon in the highly anticipated domestic clash on Saturday night. Photo: Scott Rawsthorne/MTK Global

Michael McKinson believes a win over Chris Kongo will confirm his status as a top welterweight contender and vows to seize the opportunity to earn a golden ticket.

McKinson (19-0, 2 KO) hopes to become the WBO world champion when he clashes with another undefeated Briton from Congo (12-0, 7 KO) on the undercard of Dillian Whyte’s key rematch with Alexander Povetkin on Saturday night in Gibraltar, live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and Ireland and DAZN worldwide.

‘The Problem’ has won all 19 of his professional fights and has long coveted a meeting with his domestic rival and is deeply confident he has beaten everyone in the country in a division that also features the likes of Conor Benn and Josh Kelly.

“It’s a great time to be among the substantial names in the domestic welterweight division,” Mckinson told proboxing-fans.com.

“But I believe beating Chris Kongo puts me at the top of that tree, like I believe he is at the top, but obviously there are some top guys here.

“But I think when I beat Chris Kongo, I proved that I’m definitely at the highest level.

“He is very lofty, very athletic, very robust and athletic, and on top of that he is a very good player.

“But when you look at it, there’s only one problem in this division, and that’s me. I’m a problem for absolutely everyone, and I truly believe that a well-prepared Michael McKinson beats them all in the country.”

Michael McKinson remains undefeated with a dominant win over Martin Harkin. Photo: Scott Rawsthorne / MTK Global
Michael McKinson remains undefeated with a dominant win over Martin Harkin. Photo: Scott Rawsthorne / MTK Global

“2 Slick” won the WBO world crown with a ninth-round victory over Luther Clay, a career-best win following Whyte’s first meeting with Povetkin in August.

The Londoner, who has won all 12 of his professional fights, sparred with the unified super lightweight world champion, Josh Taylor But as McKinson prepares for the fight, having scored three knockdowns en route to a unanimous decision victory over Martin Harkin in October, he believes his experience will prove crucial.

“I have experience fighting him in the professional ring,” said the 26-year-old.

“If you look at it, my last five opponents have a combined record of 72 wins and three losses. People don’t give enough credit to my record.

“He fought 11 nobody and Luther Clay, so if you want to compare records, I win all day long.

“I am experienced enough to know that I will win without a shadow of a doubt.

“I put in the work. Whatever he wants to bring, let him bring it. If he wants to go through me, let him, he won’t. He definitely won’t.”

British rival Luther Clay was stopped in the ninth round in Congo. Photo: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing
Kongo stopped British rival Luther Clay in the ninth round to win the WBO Global title. Photo credit: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing

The player from Portsmouth is managed by MTK Global and is fighting for the first time on a Matchroom bill.

McKinson is ranked No. 6 by the WBO, chasing WBO welterweight champion Terence Crawford, and says a win could solidify his position on that kind of platform.

McKinson is ranked No. 6 in the WBO rankings behind champion Terence Crawford.  Photo: Mikey Williams/Top Rank via Getty Images
McKinson is ranked No. 6 in the WBO rankings behind champion Terence Crawford. Photo: Mikey Williams/Top Rank via Getty Images

“Beating Chris Kongo is my golden ticket.

“I’m not fighting him, I have to beat him, and beating him is my golden ticket and that will be the platform on which I have to push my career.

“This is my seventh year in my professional career. It took me 20 fights to get to this stage.

“It’s been a long and tough road, but we’re finally here. Beating him is my golden ticket to staying here.

Watch the full interview with Michael McKinson below:

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Up-to-date Hatton in the area: Worth watching: Campbell “Hurricane” Hatton

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Ricky Hatton struck a chord with the British public during his heyday Photo Credit: Action Images

On Saturday, Campbell Hatton makes his long-awaited professional debut.  Photo: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing
Campbell Hatton makes his long-awaited pro debut on Saturday. Photo: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing

Campbell Hatton was just four years vintage when his father, Ricky, had a special night in his career, taking the IBF welterweight crown from Kostya Tsyzu on a memorable evening at the Manchester Arena in June 2005.

Nearly 16 years later, Hatton is set to follow in the footsteps of his father and uncle by starting his professional career on Saturday, witnessing Dillian Whyte’s rematch with Alexander Povektin in Gibraltar.

Campbell, who fights in the super featherweight division, had a low but successful amateur career, winning 21 of his 31 fights and winning the National Novice title and two North West titles.

Anticipation for the 20-year-old to make his first bow has been building since he joined Eddie Hearn at Matchroom Boxing in December and while he admits the pressure will be on his shoulders, he admits it is nothing up-to-date for him.

“There’s a little more expectation and pressure.” Hatton told professional boxing fans in December.

“But I’ve had this happen to me as an amateur, on a smaller scale, of course. When I was boxing, the gym would fill up and everything would go tranquil, everyone would watch.

“So it will be similar, just a little bit more, but I have always been good under pressure, I have always been good at dealing with it, it really drives me.

“When I get in the ring with anyone, they work harder than anyone else, so I have to do the same.”

Both Hatton’s father and manager, Ricky, and uncle and trainer, Matthew, have both never been afraid to take on the best throughout their careers, having had no less than three record-breaking superstars on their resumes, including Floyd Mayweather Jr, Manny’ respectively Pacquiao and Canelo Alvarez’s egos.

Ricky Hatton impressed the British public in his prime. Photo: Action Images
Ricky Hatton impressed British audiences during his heyday. Photo: Action Images

Ricky in particular transcended the sport in the early 2000s in a way rarely seen since, taking thousands of true fans to Las Vegas, fighting for his beloved Manchester City and securing his legacy as one of the most popular British fighters of all time. time.

Despite the accolades, ‘Hurricane’ says he is determined to eventually carve out a reputation of his own, much like Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn, who were subject to similar publicity when they turned professional.

“Definitely,” Hatton replied when asked about settling on his own name.

“If only we had seen it early, heh [Conor Benn] he had the same kind of pressure, the same target on his back and a lot of high expectations that came with being Nigel Benn’s son.

“He had some critics, but he didn’t leave the gym. He just keeps working and he’s a top player now, he’s Conor Benn, not Nigel Benn’s son, and I want to be in the same position.

“I want to be known as Campbell Hatton, not Ricky Hatton’s boyfriend. So I hope I can do that in the near future.”

In his heyday, “Hitman” was praised by his supporters for his tenacity and aggressive style, which helped him become a two-time world champion.

Despite the emotion it evoked, the style has often been scrutinized for making him vulnerable, and while Campbell intends to employ a similar, fan-friendly technique, he insists there will be some differences compared to his dad.

“Definitely electrifying,” Campbell said of his style.

“We’ve heard a lot of similarities. A punch to the body, [I] step forward [I’m] aggressive.

“But I also like to think a lot and box a lot. I play a bit of a middle-ranger than my dad because I have long arms for my height, so I like a bit of space where I can pick my shots and think about different things.

Hatton has added Anthony Joshua’s 258 Management to his team and was able to spend some time with the unified heavyweight champion at his base in Finchley earlier this month.

Campbell clearly has all the resources at his disposal to succeed in the paid ranks and will begin his journey against Jesus Ruiz on Saturday looking to break out onto the biggest stage.

Campbell has lived up to expectations so far and could take the next step on the path to success in what could be another electrifying career at Hatton and a prospect his father is relishing.

“I don’t think it will disappoint,” Ricky Hatton told Matchroom Boxing.

“He is still youthful and still has a long way to go. I think people will love his personality, he’s a chip off the vintage block. Fans will love his fighting style.

Ricky Hatton (left) believes Campbell's style will be appreciated by the public.  Photo: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing
Ricky Hatton (left) believes Campbell’s style will be appreciated by the public. Photo: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing

I think people will take it to heart like they did with me.

“He has a great team behind him with Matchroom and Eddie, and Matthew and I look after him in the gym. He has a heart as large as his dad. He has the talent and ability to be a real force and success story in the game.”

Hatton will face Ruiz on Saturday in the Povetkin-Whyte II bill. Broadcast live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and Ireland and on DAZN in 200 countries.

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