Danny Ball will be looking to reinforce his championship credentials when he returns to the ring after his British title setback.
He’s a part of the line-up when BCB Promotions return to the Eastside Rooms, on Woodcock Street in Birmingham, with fight night set for Friday April 29.
The 25-year-old welterweight, from Kingswinford, is plotting a route back to the big time, six months on from when his ‘0’ was taken by Ekow Essuman.
With the Lonsdale belt on the line, Ball tackled the champion on a BT Sport televised card, staged by Frank Warren, at the Utilita Arena in Birmingham.
Essuman settled matters with a left-right combination of punches in the sixth, which left Ball on the floor with a double fracture of the jaw, as the referee reached a 10 count.
It was a voluntary defence, so Ball has work to do to land a second chance at the British crown, which Essuman is now putting up-for-grabs against Darren Tetley.
Tetley was beaten twice himself last year, the second time by TKO for the English strap (to Samuel Antwi in six), so Ball’s first pro loss may not be the end of the world.
Ball had also won two out of three title tests beforehand, too, picking up and then successfully defending the WBC International Silver bauble.
He stopped Mason Cartwright in three rounds to claim the honours, before outpointing Sam Gilley to retain. His first title tilt saw him draw with Kaisee Benjamin for the Midlands belt.
Ball’s pro record now stands at 10-1-1, with four TKOs himself. He’s come a long way from the unlicensed circuit, where he amassed 15 victories from 15 outings.
He had a short amateur career, with nine wins out of 12 bouts for Merry Hill Boxing Club. His pro coach is Richie Ghent, who trains him at the RG Box Fit gym in Bilston, Wolverhampton.
Ball said: “I just want to get back in there, start to push on again and get back in the mix. This is a chance to showcase my skills and I’m looking to make a statement.
“This is an important fight to see where I am, both physically and mentally, but I’ve certainly felt alright, up to now. I’ve been back sparring, with no problems.
“I was signed off in December, by my doctor, to start physical training again, and I’ve had plenty of sparring since, with the lads in the gym and Drew Brown (English title challenger).
“I’m a full-time professional, at the moment, thanks to my sponsors and that helped me out massively with the British title fight, even if the result wasn’t what I wanted.
“The punch that ended it, if I’m honest, didn’t hurt all that much, until I tried to bite down on my gum-shield and realised my jaw had gone.
“He’s not a huge puncher, I’ve sparred with big hitters before like David Avanesyan (European welterweight champion) and that was intense.
“I’m not the sort of person who would give up for nothing, but I knew it was a bad injury. I opened my mouth and blood just came pouring out.
“I allowed the referee to count me out, which was so hard for me to do, but I wanted to be able to come again, so I had to think about my health.
“I’ve got to earn the right to get an opportunity like that again, I’ve already proved that I’m willing to step up and take on anybody, so I’ll be ready.”
Tickets for the Eastside Rooms bill are available, priced at £40 standard or £75 VIP ringside with buffet, directly from the boxers or by visiting myfighttickets.com.
