Dudley’s unbeaten 24-year-old fighter Danny Ball kicked off the Queensberry promotions show Live on BT sports with a great performance against another unbeaten fighter (26.3.21). Ball who has 9 wins and one draw was defending his WBC International Silver Welterweight title against Sam Gilley (26 from London) who had won all 11 on his previous contests. Ball weighed in at 10 stone 5 with Gilley coming in at 10 stone 6 as they took to the ring at the Copper Box arena Hackney.
Not much between them in the first round as they both just sized each other up. A cagey start to the second by both fighters with Gilley get some good shots near the end to nick the round. In the third both fighters started to let their hands go with Ball going to the body well, Gilley had his moments but it was Ball's round.
Good combinations by both fighters in the fourth with Ball nicking the round for me as he started to close the gap quicker. Ball started to take charge in the fifth as he boxed his way in well with some sweet left hooks, Gilley fought back hard but it was Ball’s round. Ball looked in control in the sixth banging in shots at will to win the round
Gilley stepped it up in the seventh as he started to use his jab well, Ball got some good shots off but Gilley edged the round for me. Gilley started the eighth well getting his jab off and pressing the fight. Ball fought back hard as they stood toe to toe in the middle of the ring, close round could not split them. Both fighters let their hands go in an entertaining ninth round, both fighters had joy but I thought Ball nicked this one. Ball came out fast in the final round and pressured Gilley from the start, Gilley moved well but Ball stayed on the front foot with some great exchanges with Ball winning the round.
At the end of the contest judge, Howard Foster and Bob Williams scored the fight 96 to 94 to Ball with Terry O’Connor having it 96 to 94 to Ball. I scored the fight 98 to 94 to Ball.
Dexter’s Thought’s
What a great performance by Danny Ball tonight putting his title and his unbeaten record on the line against a very credible opponent. Ball boxed well throughout the fight and with this win must be on the cusps of major title fights. He really impressed me tonight as Gilley came to win and Ball dealt with him well. I look forward to seeing what his Black Country Boxing Promotions and Queensberry have installed for him next.