Rachel Ball has her sights set on more glory after WBC success
Rachel Ball is eyeing another shot at the vacant WBA bantamweight belt next year after claiming the interim WBC super-bantamweight title.
The Aldridge boxer came out on top on points against Argentinian opponent Jorgelina Guanini, who stepped in late for the interim title after Ball's original opponent Ebanie Bridges pulled out WBA bantamweight contest through injury.
And Ball, whose latest victory takes her career record to 7-1, says she will happily honour the fight with Bridges in the new year in a bid to further build on what has been a breakthrough 2020.
Ball claimed the interim belt through a wide points margin in the 10-round fight against her opponent from South America. She was denied the opportunity at bantamweight after Guanini failed to make the weight.
Judges scored the contest, at The SSE Arena in Wembley, 99-91, 99-91 and 99-92 in the Walsall fighter's favour.
The 29-year-old was pleased with how she managed to stay focused during her pre-fight camp with uncertainty surrounding her opponent's weight.
"I'm happy, it's been a mad week, we didn't even know if the fight would actually happen, I'm glad I kept my head together and dealt with it and I'm wearing a nice shiny belt, I'm on top of the world," Ball said.
"You put so much into a camp, I didn't want it to be deferred. I needed to fight. It was kind of annoying me about the whole making the weight.
"I was thinking 'don't lose your temper in there' but I did, so I'm sorry for swearing!"
On the challenge ahead, she added: "I want to get the WBA. I'm happy to honour Bridges and do that fight early on next year, whatever title level, I'm not picking and choosing.
"At this level you deserve to fight whoever is put in front of you and be ready for it."
Bell was on the front foot in the first couple of rounds, finding her range with a couple of right-hand jabs.
Experienced campaigner Guanini, who stood at a height disadvantage to the rangy Ball, caught her rival at close quarters in the fourth but the Aldridge care worker re-established her control in the fifth and sixth.
And it was Ball who was on top in the closing rounds of the Matchroom showdown organised by Eddie Hearn, with left hooks a feature of her assured display. Ball had some choice words in response to some of her opponent's moves towards the end of the contest.
As interim holder of the belt, Ball may now have her sights set on tackling full WBC champion Yamileth Mercado, of Mexico.
But the former kickboxing champion looks set to welcome a re-arrangement of her pursuit to claim the vacant WBA bantamweight against Australian boxer Bridges.
