Nick Ball still doesn\u2019t have an opponent picked out for his next defense of his WBA featherweight title following his 12-round unanimous decision win over super bantamweight Sam Goodman on August 16, 2025, in Riyadh.<\/p>\n
Chasing the Inoue Jackpot<\/p>\n
The perception among fans online is that Ball, 28, is focusing on safe fights, ensuring that he holds onto his WBA title long enough to secure a lucrative bout against Japanese superstar Naoya Inoue when he moves up to featherweight. They feel that Ball is chasing a payday against Inoue while avoiding these fighters at 126:<\/p>\n
Rafael Espinoza: WBO featherweight champion
\nMirco Cuello: WBA interim champ and the mandatory for Ball\u2019s title
\nBruce Carrington: WBC interim
\nAngelo Leo: IBF champion
\nStephen Fulton: WBC champion<\/p>\n
Fans want to see Ball (23-0-1, 13 KOs) to start defending against actual featherweights, as he\u2019s chosen to make his last two defenses of his WBA 126-lb title against fighters selected from the 122-lb division, 38-year-old TJ Doheny and Sam Goodman. This was the third voluntary defense by Ball of his WBA title, and he has yet to face his mandatory challenger. His first defense came against veteran Ronny Rios on October 5, 2024.<\/p>\n
Cuello\u2019s Mandatory Threat<\/p>\n
\u201c[Nick] Cuello, the No. 1 contender, could be next in line for Ball\u2019s WBA featherweight title,\u201d said Sporting News about a possible opponent for Nick Ball\u2019s next title defense.<\/p>\n
Ideally, WBA interim featherweight champion Mirco Cuello (16-0, 13 KOs) should be next for Ball, as he\u2019s mandatory. The Argentinian Cuello, 24, would be an excellent fight for Ball to take in December because he\u2019s an all-action type of brawler that would make for an exciting battle.<\/p>\n
The Body Punching Specialist<\/p>\n
Cuello\u2019s body punching is formidable. He stopped his last two opponents, Sergio R\u00edos Jim\u00e9nez and Christian Olivo Barreda, with left hooks to the body. He\u2019s tactical with the way he approaches using that weapon in his fights, tending to wait for the right moment to land his left hook. The power and the form that Cuello uses on that punch are similar to those of Mexican greats Rub\u00e9n Olivares and Julio Cesar Chavez.<\/p>\n
Olly Campbell has been covering boxing since 2010 and has written for Boxing News 24 since 2014. Based in the UK, he now reports on the worldwide boxing scene, delivering fight news, results, and features that connect fans to the sport\u2019s biggest stories.<\/p>\n
With a background in UK and European coverage, Olly has developed a style that blends sharp analysis with accessible writing, making his work valuable to both dedicated followers and casual fans. His reporting consistently highlights champions, contenders, and emerging prospects on the global stage.<\/p>\n