Anto Cacace vs Nick Ball fight predictions

Anto Cacace vs Nick Ball - Who wins WBA world super-featherweight title fight?

It's "The Apache" vs "The Wrecking Ball"

Anto Cacace (25-1, 9 KOs) defends his WBA world super-featherweight title for the first time to former world champion Nick Ball (23-1-1, 13KOs) on December 19 at the SSE Arena in Belfast, live on DAZN.

In his last four fights, "The Apache" has defeated four brilliant Brits in Joe Cordina, Josh Warrington, Leigh Wood, Jazza Dickens.

29-year-old Liverpool hero, Nick Ball, comes into the fight off his first pro career loss to Brandon Figueroa last February. Prior to that, he had defeated Isaac Dogboe, Raymond Ford, Ronny Rios, TJ Doheny, Sam Goodman, and arguably Rey Vargas amongst that esteemed list but was unlucky to be scored as a draw.

Despite possessing similar records, just one defeat each, Cacace is eight years Ball's senior. This is the champion's first defence of his WBA belt, which he won from Jazza Dickens last March, and now he's up against another rugged Liverpudlian.

Will "The Apache" notch up yet another scalp over a British boxer, or "The Wrecking Ball" demolish his championship reign? GBN asked their panel of experts for their opinions:

Tyler Buxton, United Boxing Promotions: "I’m a Nick Ball fan, but I think Anto Cacace will keep his belt."

Tim Rickson, GBN Editor: "I'm a big fan of both boxers. Have always liked Cacace and have known Nick Ball for some time now, back when he was only about 4-0 before lockdown.

"I just feel that Ball's youth, aggression, energy and stamina will rack up the rounds at ringside towards a points win."

The Gym Rat, Boxing Only: "This is the sort of fight where age and pace could matter more than size. Anthony Cacace is the bigger, longer man and the cleaner puncher, but Nick Ball won’t give him the quiet space he needs. Ball will start quickly, force the exchanges and make the older Irishman work at an uncomfortable rate from the opening bell.

"Ball’s job is to get beyond Cacace’s right jab without walking straight onto the left hand. He needs to slip outside the jab, attack the body and keep his head against Cacace’s chest once he gets close. From there, the height and reach difference is an advantage for Ball. Ball can work short hooks, bump Cacace off balance and force him to carry weight in the clinches.

"Cacace is dangerous because he can shorten his punches remarkably well for a tall southpaw. His back-hand uppercut and straight left could punish Ball’s entries, especially early. But he sometimes gives away his reach and becomes too willing to trade. That is exactly the fight Ball wants. Every prolonged exchange will drain a little more from Cacace’s legs and lungs.

"The defeat to Brandon Figueroa should have taught Ball that relentless pressure still needs defensive responsibility. He cannot simply charge forward and depend upon his chin. He must move his head after punching, vary his level and avoid remaining directly in front of Cacace’s left hand.

"I expect Ball to concede some clean shots early but keep raising the pace. Cacace will have success in the first half, then begin struggling to create distance as the younger man crowds him and works downstairs. By the championship rounds, Ball’s engine and physical pressure will take over."

Donald C Stewart, GBN writer: "I just do not know and think this is a genuine 50/50 fight. The Wrecking Ball was untouchable, then Figuero stopped him. Anto was damaged goods, then Cordina, Warrington, Wood, Dickens... The narratives were cliches but neither of them are.  This is one hell of a fight, so let me lean back onto another cliché, real winners shall be the fans..."

What have they said?

Cacace: "Nick's a great fighter, ex-world champion, so I expect a good scrap. He's a hard man, so let's do it. I'll fight with him, I'll box him - whatever way he wants, so we'll see what happens on the night. I'm really looking forward to it. Belfast around Christmas time is going to be jumping, so I'm looking forward to it."

Ball: "It's a massive opportunity at a new weight. He's a solid champion, so it's going to be a good fight. I'll be coming, he'll be coming, so it's going to be a good one."