Ball wins world title in Saudi thriller

Briton Nick Ball outpointed Raymond Ford in a thrilling, high-quality contest to win the WBA featherweight world title in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The Liverpudlian's relentless pressure and aggression prevailed as the fighters displayed their world-level credentials, trading punches until the final seconds.

Two officials scored it 115-113 to Ball, with one giving it to American Ford by the same margin.

The 27-year-old's win gave Queensberry promoter Frank Warren a two-nil lead over Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom boxing in the five versus five card.

Britain’s two biggest promoters – once fierce rivals – have matched five fighters from their respective stables against each other in an unprecedented team event.

"He's a tough man and a class boxer. I had to dig deep to get the belt,” Ball told DAZN.

He wins a world title in his 22nd fight after controversially drawing with Mexican Rey Vargas in March.

"I'm made up. I should be two-time [champion] but it's not the case. I'm the champ now so it doesn't really matter,” he added.

Willy Hutchinson had earlier given Queensberry a winning start with a commanding and deserved points win over light-heavyweight Craig Richards.

Later on Saturday, Queensberry middleweight Hamzah Sheeraz will face Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams and stablemate Daniel Dubois will take on Filip Hrgovic for the interim IBF heavyweight title.

In the main event, Matchroom’s Deontay Wilder will face heavyweight Zhilei Zhang.

More to follow.