Naoya Inoue vs Nick Ball has been a fight spoken of, which would see Inoue move up in weight to challenge the Liverpudlian. The Japanese fighter was last seen in action on December 27, 2025, defeating David Picasso by unanimous decision. Ball (23-0-1, 13 KOs) defeated TJ Doheny and Sam Goodman in 2025 and will defend his WBA featherweight title against Brandon Figueroa. Former super middleweight champion George Groves recently spoke to Betvictor Casino and discussed how he sees a potential Inoue (32-0, 27 KOs) vs Ball fight playing out.
George Groves predicts Naoya Inoue vs Nick Ball
“We’re in Liverpool, everybody’s come out for this. They’ve been a marvellous crowd,” he added. “We’re going to keep coming back for your champion.”
When asked about Naoya Inoue vs Nick Ball, Groves said:
“I don’t think Nick Ball has any chance. I think Inoue is in a league of his own, and he’s got that equalizer power, there’s been times where he probably hasn’t been on song and he just ices dudes. Nick Ball to his credit has been a great fighter, but I don’t think he beats Inoue. I know he’s naturally a bit bigger, but I still don’t think he beats him.”
Inoue vs Ball
Following his win over Doheny, Nick Ball was backed to defeat Naoya Inoue by former world champion Carl Frampton:
“I think that’s the fight, whether its in Japan or Vegas… I very much doubt we’re going to see Inoue in Liverpool,” Frampton said.
“It’s a difficult fight. I might get slated… styles make fights and I think the style Ball has and the type of fighter he is could give someone like Inoue a lot of problems.
“And I would favour Nick Ball in that fight,” said Frampton.
Ball possesses an incredible work rate and is exceptional at suffocating his opponents and throwing spiteful hooks. He’s explosive and throws from unorthodox angles, which has seen him cause problems for talented fighters.
Inoue is more than just a talented fighter. For many, he’s the pound-for-pound number one in the sport. His ability to control the distance with his slick movement and jab is exceptional. He punches with power and precision, and would look to catch Ball as the Liverpudlian fighter comes in.
Even though Inoue would be coming up in weight, it’s difficult to see him losing to Ball, or anyone, in fact. Inoue vs Ball: Who would win and how?
