Last Updated on March 5, 2024 1:41 pm by Erwin Noguera
The featherweight division will be in the spotlight when WBC champion Rey Vargas takes on undefeated challenger Nick Ball on March 8 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This fight is part of the main card of the Anthony Joshua vs. Francis Ngannou event.
Vargas will be making the first defense of the WBC belt. The talented Mexican has a 36-1 record with 22 knockouts, while his only defeat came in 2014. Since then, he has had an impressive streak of 17 consecutive victories.
Ball, from the United Kingdom, is 19-0 with 11 knockouts. The 26-year-old earned his title shot by winning the WBC featherweight silver strap. In addition, this is an excellent opportunity for him, who faces the biggest test of his career against Vargas.
This should be an exciting matchup between the seasoned champion and the hungry rookie trying to take advantage of his golden opportunity. Finally, the winner will leave Saudi Arabia with the WBC featherweight title.
When and Where?
Friday, March 8, 11:00 am ET at the Kingdom Arena in Riad, Saudi Arabia
Ring Walks Time:
(Estimated) 3:20 pm ET
Moneyline odds:
Rey Vargas 2.552
Nick Ball 1.59
Where Can I Watch it?
DAZN
Why Bet on Rey Vargas?
Vargas is the most experienced and technical boxer, having reigned as champion for several years. His footwork and defensive skills are likely to frustrate his less refined rival, who is taking a big step forward in the competition for his first world title shot.
Most experts and punters favor the Mexican champion retaining his title, probably by unanimous decision. Vargas has fought 12 rounds many times before, while Ball has never fought more than 10 rounds in a single fight. The stamina required to hold out with a wily veteran like Vargas for a full 12 rounds can prove too hard for the challenger.
The Mexican has a clear advantage in experience at a championship level. He is a smart technical boxer who takes advantage of his 5’11 height advantage and controls the distance masterfully with his jab.
Why Bet on Nick Ball?
Nick Ball is relatively unknown outside the UK but has built an impressive 19-0 record. In 2021, he won the WBC Silver Pen title by defeating Carlos Ruiz. That earned him Vargas’ mandatory world title shot. For Ball, applying intelligent pressure will be critical.
He can’t just present himself recklessly, but he needs to methodically cut the ring and put Vargas with his back to the ropes. Ball’s best bet is to get within Vargas’ range, where he can land his power punches. Going to the champion’s body early will also pay dividends if the challenger can slow him down in the later rounds.
Ball has the power to end this fight with a big punch, but he will need to take down Vargas to set up his power punches.
While Ball has pure power and an aggressive style, he has never faced someone with Vargas’ deft movement and counter-attacking precision before. The British fighter must find ways to effectively cut the ring and not fall prey to the Mexican’s counters throughout the night.
Final Betting Analysis: Rey Vargas vs. Nick Ball
Vargas has a significant 7-year head start as the most experienced veteran. He also possesses a 3-inch height advantage and a sizable 3-inch reach advantage over the 26-year-old Ball.
In terms of his records, Vargas has almost twice as many professional fights under his belt, with 37 compared to Ball’s 19. Vargas has an impressive 22 knockouts on his record, while Ball has stopped 11 of his opponents inside the distance. That suggests that while both men have power, the former may hold the advantage in sheer knockout punching ability.
Rey Vargas must use his range and height advantage to keep his foe at arm’s length. His jab will be key to controlling the pace and scope of the fight. If he can avoid Ball’s power shots and take him out on the outside, he should be able to rack up points on the judges’ scorecards.
For Ball, applying intelligent pressure will be critical. He can’t just present himself recklessly, but he needs to methodically cut the ring and put Vargas with his back to the ropes. Going to Vargas’ body early will also pay dividends if Ball can slow him down in the later rounds. The British have the power to end this fight with a big punch, but he will need to tire out his rival to prepare his power punches.
Based on the analysis and the styles of both fighters, we believe Nick Ball should emerge victorious in this featherweight title clash against Rey Vargas by unanimous decision.
Go for a victory for the challenger at 1.59. If you bet $100 at such odds, you could get $59 for a total payout of $159.
Rey Vargas vs. Nick Ball Betting Pick: Nick Ball
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