Tyson Fury, the charismatic and often controversial former heavyweight world champion, has expressed his admiration for Nick Ball, the WBA featherweight champion, who is taking his division by storm.
In an unexpected twist, Fury, who recently announced his retirement from professional boxing following his loss to Oleksandr Usyk, has turned his attention to Ball, highlighting his impressive skill and power.
This recognition comes at a time when Fury, known for his straightforward and often humorous opinions, reflects on the boxing landscape beyond his own career. Fury’s praise not only underscores Ball’s talent but also serves as a reminder of the diversity and dynamism of the sport, where champions in all weight classes can capture the public’s imagination.
Fury’s warning for heavyweights
During his work as a commentator for TNT Sports, Tyson Fury delivered a stark warning about the heavyweight division while praising Nick Ball, the rising featherweight star. “I think he is fantastic, little Nick Ball. God made him 5ft 3in [5ft 2in] for a reason, because if he were 6ft 5in, we would all be unsafe right now,” Fury commented with his characteristic humor. “He is a proper English pitbull terrier. I love watching him, honestly. Even though he beat my mate Isaac Lowe, I am a massive fan of little Nick Ball.”
Nick Ball punches TJ Doheny during the WBA World Featherweight title fight between Nick Ball and TJ Doheny as part of the Hard Days Night card by Queensberry Promotions at M&S Bank Arena on March 15, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
Fury’s uncertain future
Fury’s attention to Ball comes against a backdrop of uncertainty about his own future in boxing. Following his recent loss to Usyk in a highly anticipated rematch, which cemented the Ukrainian as the unified heavyweight champion, Fury had been linked to a potential fight with Anthony Joshua, a matchup boxing fans have longed for years. However, this fight seems to be off the table for now, leaving fans of the sport with a sense of disappointment.
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Nick Ball’s future: A clash with Naoya Inoue?
Nick Ball has expressed interest in a showdown with pound-for-pound superstar Naoya Inoue, the current undisputed super bantamweight champion. Inoue, who has already won world titles in four weight divisions, is widely regarded as one of the greatest boxers in the world, known for his speed, accuracy, and punching power.
A matchup between Ball and Inoue would be a fascinating clash of styles and a highly anticipated event for boxing fans. Ball’s rise in the featherweight division, combined with Inoue’s dominance, could create one of the most exciting fights in recent memory.
