In the aftermath of a gripping WBC featherweight title fight in Saudi Arabia, Nick Ball's camp is vocal about their desire for a rematch against Rey Vargas. The fight, which saw the Liverpudlian challenger, Ball, and the long-reigning champion, Vargas, battle to a majority draw, has left Ball's team, particularly his coach Paul Stevenson, calling for a second bout to settle the score.
Ball, 27, showcased resilience and aggression, particularly in the latter half of the fight, managing to drop Vargas in the eighth and 11th rounds. Despite Ball's dominant performance as the fight progressed, the judges' scorecards delivered a majority draw, sparking controversy among spectators and Ball's team alike. Stevenson criticized the scoring and the referee's performance, highlighting inconsistencies and perceived biases that influenced the fight's outcome.
The match's officiating, led by referee Giovanni Poggi, has come under scrutiny. Stevenson accused Poggi of excessively intervening, particularly in moments when Ball worked to close the distance and engage Vargas at close quarters. These actions, according to Stevenson, hindered Ball's strategy and unfairly advantaged Vargas, whose tactics and conduct in the ring also drew criticism from Ball's corner.
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Despite the disappointment, Ball's performance against a seasoned champion like Vargas has only fueled his and his team's ambition for a rematch.
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