Walsall's Rachel Ball proving she has what it takes at world title level

The Aldridge boxer won the interim WBC super-

bantamweight world title last month with a dominant display over Jorgelina Guanini.

The Argentine is the current IBF super-flyweight champion, but was handled easily by Ball over 10 rounds.

When asked if she has proven herself at the world level, Ball said: “Yeah I think so. People are recognising how well I’ve done in the sport.

“People have hopefully acknowledged the step-up from my last performance, which is what I wanted to do.

“There was a lot of ring-rust and no crowds. I felt like it all came together a lot better for this fight.

“I’m happy with my performance.

“There’s still things to work on, I’ve only been in the sport three years and I’m fighting at world level.

“There’s still things to learn, but I’m happy with my performance than my previous performance at Fight Camp.”

Ball was originally fighting for the vacant WBA bantamweight world title against Ebanie Bridges, before the Australian suffered an arm injury.

Guanini stepped in at 10 days’ notice, but struggled to make weight, resulting in the fight being moved up a weight class and to an interim title.

For Ball, the constant changes were a challenge as she had to keep her cool in the build up to the bout.

“It was a stressful week, she added. “I tried to hold it together and keep it together as best as possible – there are always going to be curveballs thrown at you.

“It was difficult. I was trying to keep it together and not let it affect my performance, because I felt quite angry towards my opponent.

“I was thinking it could go two ways. I could go out and box her or go out and have a scrap.

“I had to keep it together and I’m proud of myself for doing that and listening to my coaches.

“I felt in a good position mentally to have made weight in the week.

“I was confident and not nervous, it was good.”

Despite all the attention Ball is receiving in the boxing world, the 29-year-old is still working full-time with the elderly who are suffering with mental health difficulties and dementia.

While she is keeping herself ‘grounded’ she is pleased to be continuing her relationship with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing.

“I’m still working at home and probably been to the office about five times since March,” she said. “It’s working really well for me in terms of a balance. It’s nice to focus on work and catch up on things after being away for the week.

“I’ve just kept myself as grounded as possible but life hasn’t really changed too much.

“I have to be very careful. I have learned that people will try and offer me things and they’re not quite what they seem, in terms of sponsorship.

“I’ve learned a good lesson about that since my last fight.

“Eddie said he was pleased with me and I’m looking forward to getting back out there.

“He wants to get me back out as soon as early February, perhaps even the end of January.

“It’s a very quick turnaround and they’re quite happy to get me back out there, which is great.

“It’s a great opportunity for me. It’s where you want to be, especially with everything Matchroom and Sky are doing for women’s boxing.”

Next, Ball is determined to go back for the vacant WBA strap at bantamweight, regardless of whether Bridges is fit or not.

“That’s what I’d like, but it depends how long Bridges takes to heal from her injury,” Ball said. “I have spoken to her and she is hoping to be ready. It depends on her recovery over the Christmas period.

“I wish her all the best in the recovery and hope she is ready. If not, it will have to be another opponent and hopefully a world champion so I can challenge for that belt.”

When asked if she would consider staying at

super-bantamweight to face full WBC belt holder Yamileth Mercado, Ball added: “Potentially. But in terms of the weight there’s a lot of fighters that don’t make the weight easy, you can tell.

“With me I am making weight very easily. So for me, while other fighters are killing themselves to make weight and it’s too easy for me, I’m giving myself a disadvantage against people who pile the weight back on for the fight.

“I’ll fight the lighter weights because I can make the weight, so I might as well.

“Fighters don’t fight at heavier weights because they fancy it, but because they can do it. The weight has to be good for me to be stronger.

“A lot of fighters pile the weight back on after the weigh-in, but sometimes I struggle to do that.

“I want to be the strongest I can and boxing is a sport that affects your health. I have to bear that mind when I go in against these bigger girls.”