Anthony Cacace will defend his WBA tremendous featherweight title in opposition to former featherweight champion Nick Ball on December 19 in Belfast, Queensberry Promotions has confirmed. The battle provides Ball a possibility to develop into a two-division champion in his first look at 130 kilos.
Ball returns after shedding his WBA featherweight title to Brandon Figueroa by a Twelfth-round stoppage final February. Relatively than looking for one other championship alternative at 126, he strikes up 4 kilos to problem Cacace.
The transfer introduces just a few questions on how Ball will carry out on the larger weight. His success at featherweight got here by sustained strain, energy at shut vary and a willingness to maintain working by exchanges. Towards Cacace, he might want to set up that method in opposition to a naturally larger opponent.
Having extra room on the scales may benefit Ball, though a battle at 130 would have offered a clearer indication earlier than stepping right into a title problem. He enters this contest with out that preparation, making his adjustment to the division a part of the story on December 19.
Cacace has the chance to defend in Belfast in opposition to an skilled challenger who has already competed at championship degree. Ball’s featherweight title expertise provides him a basis for the event, even when the load and opponent current a distinct check.
Ball’s strain may make this an fascinating tactical matchup. He’ll wish to shut the space and stop Cacace from settling right into a rhythm. Cacace, in the meantime, could make the challenger work on his means inside, the place Ball should choose when to assault and when to keep away from pointless exchanges.
The Figueroa defeat additionally makes Ball’s return price watching. A late stoppage after a demanding battle leaves questions that point away alone can’t reply. His capability to maintain his traditional tempo in opposition to Cacace will present a greater measure of the place he’s.
For Ball, victory would flip a troublesome yr right into a profitable transfer to a second division. Cacace shall be trying to maintain his championship and deny the previous featherweight titleholder a right away return to the highest.
