'That's an advantage' – Frank Warren shocked by huge height difference on Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou undercard

07/03/2024 11:16

Frank Warren was stunned by the height difference between Rey Vargas and Nick Ball for their WBC featherweight title clash.

Ball and Vargas will face each other on the undercard of Anthony Joshua’s heavyweight showdown with Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia on Friday night.

There is high stakes for Merseyside star Ball, who could be involved in Warren and Eddie Hearn‘s planned five-fight tournament with details set to be announced next week.

The pair met at Wednesday’s press conference and came together during an intense face-off on stage.

To fans’ surprise, there was a huge height difference between the fighters, with Vargas towering over Ball by a significant distance.

Ball stands at 5ft 2in, while his Mexican opponent has a huge height advantage at 5ft 7in.

It is unclear how much of an impact this could have on the night, but Warren was stunned by exactly how vast the advantage could be.

“It’s a tough fight, I didn’t realise the absolute [size] disparity,” Ball’s promoter Warren told talkSPORT.com.

“I think that’s an advantage for Nick and I hope that’s an advantage, he’ll even make himself smaller.

“All Vargas will be doing is punching down and maybe trying to lift his shots up.

“He’s a quality fighter and he’s fighting a quality challenger.

“I honestly feel Nick has the tools to do it and fingers crossed that’ll be the case.”

Fans have also been quick to react to the height differencd, with one commenting: “Can he reach him? No way Ball is winning this.”

Another agreed: “Looks a bit of a mismatch in size. Ball’s body shots will bring him down to his level.”

However, one fan suggested: “Nick ball will bring the heat don't be fooled by the size difference here!”

There could be many options for Ball if he pulls off a remarkable feat and outboxes his rival in a ‘David v Goliath’ like manner.

Matchroom Boxing’s Hearn has suggested that undefeated challenger Raymond Ford could lay in waiting.

And Ball himself has suggested he is in pursuit of unification, including a clash with Luis Alberto Lopez.