UNBEATEN BALL: “I’M COMING TO NORWAY TO WIN”

UNBEATEN BALL: “I’M COMING TO NORWAY TO WIN”

Rachel Ball (4-0) is relishing the opportunity to put her unbeaten record on the line against former European and WBC International Champion Katharina Thanderz (10-0, 2 KOs) as they provide chief support for Kai Robin Havnaa’s IBO International title fight with Rad Rashid on March 2 in Arendal.

Ball is a former three-time world kickboxing champion, who having switched disciplines is undefeated in her four professional contests. Her last bout, a bloody battle with Eftychia Kathopouli, was named ‘Fight Of Year’ by the British Boxing Board of Control Midlands Area, and the 27 year-old is promising another ‘war’ as she travels the North Sea to take on the undefeated Thanderz.

“I’m coming to Norway to win and that’s the only outcome I envision in my mind. If I thought any differently, I wouldn’t bother stepping in the ring,” says Ball. “I don’t make predictions on points, stoppages or TKOs, but what I do predict is an excellent showcase for women’s boxing, a brilliant fight, and a war too!

 
“I might look friendly but put me in a ring and I’m a different person. I’m an exciting fighter. There’s no other fighter out there who looks like me. I stand out in appearance and in the way I fight. This will be a fight you don’t want to miss!

“Thanderz has a good record. She’s fought for two titles, so she’s experienced in fighting over longer rounds. I’ve watched her fights. She’s a tough girl, and it’s going to be a great fight for women’s boxing and for the fans. Everyone at home is excited for me to fight someone as credible as Thanderz. This as a big opportunity for my career, and I’m excited to fight her.”

Having claimed multiple World titles as a kickboxer, Balls hopes to emulate this success as boxer, drawing on her past experience to fight her way to the top.

“For me, boxing was natural progression from my kickboxing career,” she says. “There wasn’t anything left for me to achieve in the sport, and I wanted a new challenge. I had two K1 fights after I won my last world title, I enjoyed it, but the plan was to go in to boxing, and the time was right when I turned pro in 2017.
 

“I maintain that kickboxers are tough, getting punched in the face is one thing but getting kicked in the face is another. It’s great being a multiple world champion. I’ve had a lot of title fights and gone a lot of rounds, which is great experience to bring into my boxing career, but with that said, I’m a completely different now from my kickboxing days, and from the fights I’ve had since.”

Kai Robin Havnaa tops the bill at the SØR Amfi in Arendal with a historic IBO International Cruiserweight title fight against Rad ‘Thunder’ Rashid.

Katharina Thanderz provides chief support with a super featherweight contest against Rachel Ball, Hadi Srour is back in the professional ring to meet Zoltan Szabo, and Kristiansand’s Jamshid Nazari takes on Ivica Gogosevic.

Tickets are available via www.ticketmaster.no