Tuesday 29 August 2017 17:37, UK
Jake Ball is determined to put on a show against Joe Sherriff this Friday and fulfil his ambition of getting a shot at the English title before the year is out.
The 24-year-old light-heavyweight will face unbeaten Coventry fighter Sherriff in a title eliminator as part of the latest edition of the NXTGEN series at York Hall, Bethnal Green, live on Sky Sports.
Ball suffered a shock knockout loss to JJ McDonagh last November and he readily admits that he was his own downfall that night and has learnt a great deal since then.
'The Blade' has had two routine wins on the back of that surprise setback and he is now confident that he has the tools to mount a serious assault on the division.
Speaking exclusively to Sky Sports, he said: "I can't wait to be back in the ring and to get the boxing season underway this Friday is very exciting.
"If I'm honest, before the fight with Sherriff was made I didn't really know much about him, but he's a tough kid with an unbeaten record, so it should be a good fight.
"I feel that I've moved on massively from the McDonagh defeat, the loss was kind of my own fault.
When I fought McDonagh, I hit him early on and hurt him and went in for the kill, leaving myself wide open. Now, I realise I should stick to my boxing some times and let the skills pay the bills.
"Where I was knocking everyone over in the first or second round with the first shots I landed, when I fought McDonagh, I hit him early on and I hurt him and went in for the kill, leaving myself wide open.
"Now, I realise I should stick to my boxing some times and let the skills pay the bills.
"I'm not sure why the rematch never happened with McDonagh, I'm always training and I just leave things to my promoter and team with regards to who I am fighting - I'll fight anyone."
Despite the opportunity to avenge his sole career defeat failing to materialise, the Surrey fighter is happy to be one victory away from an English title shot.
"I have a great chance here in an English title eliminator, so hopefully, I can get a shot at the title before Christmas - that would be ideal.
"Then, if all goes to plan, within four or five fights I want to be mixing with the top British fighters in the division.
"These NXTGEN shows gives us younger fighters or those coming through a great opportunity to be in the spotlight and I want to make sure I take the opportunity to impress.
"I love York Hall, I've boxed there three times now and the atmosphere is always fantastic and I'm sure it will be again on Friday."
Friday's NXTGEN bill will be streamed first on the Sky Sports website and the Sky Sports Facebook page, before TV coverage begins at 7.45pm.
Live coverage of the NXTGEN bill, featuring Joshua Buatsi, Lawrence Okolie, Joe Cordina and Conor Benn, will start at 7.45pm on Sky Sports Action.
