Nick Ball looks to use his Mike Tyson-inspired style to get the better of Raymond Ford on Saturday... as he opens up on controversial Ray Vargas draw and AI in boxing

Ball will face Ford in Queensberry and Matchroom 5v5 this weekend
He attempted to incorporate Tyson’s style into his own matches.
He drew with Vargas in March despite going 10-8 rounds in the fight.

Nick Ball claims his fighting style is heavily inspired by the legendary Mike Tyson, a fact evident in his aggressive and relentless approach inside the ring.

Ball, much like Tyson, uses a fierce, forward-thinking approach that seeks to overwhelm his opponents with constant pressure and powerful combinations.

Ball also looks to replicate Tyson’s ability to end fights in devastating fashion when he faces Raymond Ford on Saturday night.

“I’ve always admired Mike Tyson,” Ball told Mail Sport. “I appreciate his style of boxing and wanted to incorporate it into my own style.

“No joke, I’m looking to get the job done against his opponents. It’s action and I think that’s also what everyone wants to see.

Nick Ball (pictured) explained how Mike Tyson’s boxing style influenced his own fighting style

The undefeated Briton will take part in the 5v5 at Queensberry and Matchroom on Saturday.

He said fans “get their money’s worth” from watching Tyson (pictured) and himself in the ring.

“You get what you pay for when you look at people like me and Mike Tyson, because it’s all about the action and getting in your seat.”

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Additionally, it’s clear that Ball’s mental approach to fighting reflects Iron Mike’s early-career mindset.

Tyson was known for his intimidation factor, entering the ring with an aura of menace that often gave him a psychological advantage before the first punch was thrown.

Ball exudes a similar confidence and determination, projecting an image of fearlessness and relentless pursuit, which can unsettle his opponents.

When asked how he copes with the pressure placed on him when fighting on big stages, Ball said he accepts it.

“There’s always pressure when you get in the ring, but it’s what you do with that pressure. I always take it and apply it.

“Maybe it’s because I’m back in Saudi Arabia because they (the Saudis) like my style and what I do. So, I just have to keep doing what I’m doing.

The mental approach is important for Ball in order to gain a psychological advantage before the fight begins.

He also spoke about his controversial draw with Ray Vargas earlier this year, which sparked debate in the sport.

The Briton won two rounds 10-8 but was still judged to have lost on a judge’s card.

Ball’s recent fight with Ray Vargas ended in a controversial draw, sparking significant debate within the boxing community.

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Despite controlling much of the second half of the match and having two rounds 10-8 in his favor, Ball was unable to emerge victorious.

The judges were split, with the final scores being 114-112 Vargas, 116-110 Ball and even 113-113 – much to Ball’s shock.

The controversy surrounding the move led Ball to voice his thoughts on the potential use of artificial intelligence (AI) to judge boxing matches.

It has been suggested that AI could analyze fights in real time, using data on punch counts, power, accuracy and ring control to provide more accurate scores.

However, Ball is not yet sold on the idea of introducing technology into the sport.

Ball, however, is unsure about the idea of introducing artificial intelligence into boxing to help score.

He suggested the scoring could be “corrupt” and is determined to take the judges out of the equation on Saturday against Ford (R).

“I don’t really know to be honest. It would become more computerized whereas boxing is real life. Your life is on the line in this, so I’m sure to use technology.

“But there’s also the fact that scoring will always be, I don’t want to use the word corrupt, but maybe it is.”

“I don’t really know to be honest, I should think about it more, but as fighters it’s our job to win the fight.”

“We have to do everything we can to win and we have to take this out of the hands of the judges.” This is what we always seek to do.

Ball’s controversial draw with Vargas highlights ongoing problems with boxing’s scoring system and opens a broader discussion about the role of technology in the sport.