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:

Wayne Alexander, Former British, European, World welterweight champion: "This will be an all-action, entertaining fight, for sure. Their styles will mix well, but Cacace looks too big and punches hard with good accuracy. I think Anto Cacace wins by wide points decision or late stoppage."

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

Paul Speak, Boxing Manager: "A great match-up, a 50/50 fight. Anto is on a roll and has the hometown advantage, but I still fancy Nick Ball by stoppage."

Ace Adam, Unbeaten light-heavyweight: "I’ll go with Nick Ball for this one.

"I think it’s a really interesting fight, particularly with Cacace making his first defence of the WBA title and Ball stepping up in weight for his first world-title opportunity. Ball’s pressure, work rate and aggressive style could make it a difficult night for Cacace, and I can see him forcing the pace throughout the fight.

"Cacace is a very good fighter and has the experience at the weight, so I wouldn’t expect it to be easy for Ball. However, I think Ball’s intensity and physicality will be enough to see him through, and I’ll back him to win and become world champion."

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.

"He's coming up to Anto's weight class for the first time, so there could be a size difference to contend with, but he has bullied the likes of Rey Vargas before, who is 5ft 10in and fought at super-feather. So I don't think the height and size will be an issue for Ball, but there could be an issue with strength and punching power. Ball might not be able to throw Cacace around like he has done with other opponents in the past.

"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..."

Max Timpson, GBN writer: "I believe that Cacace will make use of his reach advantage for large portions of the fight and punish the smaller man for trying to get close. Ball's relentless work rate may allow him to win some rounds based on volume. However, Ball will not be able to manhandle Cacace like he has his other opponents, which could discourage Ball as the fight goes on.

"Therefore, I believe Cacace will win a clear decision in a fight largely fought at his range."

Daniel Sheehan, GBN writer: "I’m leaning towards Anto Cacace on points. Ball is a very good fighter and moving up in weight makes this a really interesting one, but I think Cacace’s size, experience and ability to box at range could make the difference over 12 rounds."

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."