Anthony Cacace vs Nick Ball

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.