Q&A - Jake Ball

Recent Matchroom recruit, Jake Ball (2-0) is looking for his third straight first round stoppage win this Saturday on the "Who's Fooling Who?" undercard in Liverpool. Jake only made his debut on 12th September this year but he has made a very promising start to his professional career. We spoke to him to find out his hopes for this weekend and beyond.

British Boxing Blog - How did you first get into boxing? What's your boxing background?

Jake Ball - My dad took my older brother to the gym when he was about 9 and I was 7. I just tagged along and loved it so stuck to it. For my boxing background; as an amateur I won several national titles and boxed for England numerous times, before getting selected for GB trials in late 2012. I went on to get selected for the GB team at the beginning of 2013 and won medals at every tournament I was sent to.

BBB - Who is your all time boxing hero?

JB - Muhammad Ali and Sugar Ray Leonard. I just loved to watch their speed, footwork and flashiness in the ring.

BBB - Your pro debut in September was at the O2 Arena on the Anthony Joshua and Gary Cornish undercard, how was it making your debut on such a big stage?

JB - I couldn't have asked for a better way to start my pro career at such a massive venue on such a massive bill, it was amazing.

BBB - In contrast to this, your second pro fight was at York Hall, how did this compare? Do you feel at home fighting in both big arenas and more intimate venues?

JB - Boxing at York Hall didn't faze me in the slightest, it's a great venue and at the end of the day the ring is where I do my work. It's the same size no matter which arena I am in.

BBB - This Saturday sees you fight in Liverpool on the Smith v Fielding bill. Are you looking forward to fighting in Liverpool and getting your name out there to northern fans?

JB - Most definitely! As a pro I want everyone to know who I am so boxing on shows, both in London and up North is going to help that massively, I can't wait to fight in Liverpool now.

BBB - After a glittering amateur career, how are you finding life in the pro game compared to the amateurs? What are the major differences you have noticed so far?

JB - I think I've made the move to pro quite comfortably and the major difference is training and building your body to do a marathon, as a pro, rather than a 400m sprint as a amateur.

BBB - How pleased were you to sign with Matchroom Boxing? What type of boost does this give to your career at this early stage?

JB - I was over the moon when I signed with Matchroom boxing. For any boxer turning pro that's their first choice so to have Matchroom and Eddie behind me gave me a massive boost of confidence.

BBB - This will be your third fight in 2 months, with another fight lined up for December as well. Just how important is staying active in the early part of your career?

JB - This is exactly what I wanted when I turned pro; to stay busy and be fighting as regularly as possible. By the end of this year I will have fought 4 times within under 4 months, no better way to start a pro career.

BBB - Training under the guidance of John Edwards and Jim McDonnell as well as being alongside James Degale must be a great experience for you. How important is their influence in your development?

JB - Massively. The knowledge that both Jim and John have in boxing only helps me become the best boxer I can. They are both a big part of my team and help massively with my development.

BBB - And finally, what are your goals for 2016?

JB - To box and win titles, simple as that.

Jake can be followed on Twitter @1jakeball and so can we @britboxingblog

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