Frank Warren offers Naoya Inoue v Nick Ball insight with discussions taking place for 2026 superfight

Nick Ball's promoter Frank Warren has revealed that talks have taken place regarding a potential super fight against pound-for-pound star Naoya Inoue.

The Queensberry fighter has made no secret of his desire for a blockbuster showdown with the unbeaten Japanese ace, even name-checking the pound-for-pound number two when quizzed on who is dream opponent would be.

Ball made a successful defence of his prized WBA featherweight title against TJ Doheny earlier this year with his next fight, against an as of yet unnamed world class opponent, set to be announced later this month.

Providing the 28-year-old comes through that showdown unscathed and Inoue sees off the dangerous Murodjon Akhmadaliev in September, then Warren foresees absolutely no issues in setting up a barn-storming affair between the pair at the start of 2026.

"I like this fight and I am a massive, massive Naoya Inoue fan, but I really like Nick Ball in this fight," he told Boxing News on Friday.

"Guys get caught, but it's when they get up and win, that's fighters that can take a punch - those who get knocked down, get back up and get the job done.

"Inoue has proven he can do that, he is a great fighter, a true great of the sport and we know that Nick would love that fight to happen, but so would I, as a boxing fan.

We are about to announce a big fight for Nick in a few weeks time, so let's get that done, then hopefully Inoue can win his fight in September too, and then we can get Inoue v Ball on either later this year or, more likely, early in 2026.

"We have spoken to them (Inoue's team) and they are up for it. they have got to win their respective fights and come through those, but if and when they do that then I am sure we will get this done."

He added: "There's absolutely no doubt, it would be a great fight, a superfight, and I mean an actual superfight!"

Ball captured his maiden world title in hugely impressive fashion against American Raymond Ford on the Queensberry v Matchroom boxing bill last year, having fallen agonisingly short in his first attempt against Rey Vargas three months earlier.

The Liverpudlian was denied what many had perceived to be a victory over the Mexican in Saudi Arabia, only for the bout to be declared a split draw with Vargas just about managing to retain possession of the WBC's 126lbs strap.

Since beaten Ford, Ball has made successive title defences against Ronny Rios and Doheny in his home city of Liverpool.

Inoue meanwhile, overcame Ramon Cardenas to keep hold of his undisputed super-bantamweight championship in Las Vegas last weekend, just days after a September showdown with the dangerous Uzbeki Murodjon Akhmadaliev was announced.

Mark Mothershaw

• Queensberry
• • 
  •