Jake Hall promises to knock out Crystal Palace light-heavyweight Craig Richards

BY RICHARD CAWLEY

Jake Ball has promised to knock out Craig Richards when they clash for the vacant WBA continental light-heavyweight title Greenwich’s 02 Arena tomorrow.

The bitter rivals were scheduled to meet on the John Ryder-Andrey Sirotkin undercard at the Copper Box Arena in October, but a hand injury forced Ball to withdraw at the last minute.

Crystal Palace’s Richards questioned Ball’s appetite to face him at a heated press conference

last month. Ball fought once during an injury-plagued 2018, but ‘The Blade’ is looking to make a statement in his first fight under new trainer Dominic Ingle.

“I’ve improved all areas of my game since I moved to the Ingle Gym – speed, fitness and strength. It’s time to show everyone what I’ve been working on with Dom, Craig better be ready.”

“He still fought and got paid in October. I was the one that missed out on a pay check through injury. I don’t know why he’s frustrated – I should be the one that’s frustrated.

“He was very mouthy at the press conference, but I saw right through it. I could see fear in his eyes when we faced off. He doesn’t want this, he knows that I’m a level above him.

“I’m a bigger puncher, better boxer and beat him in every department.

“He’s not going to know what hit him come Saturday. Actions speak a lot louder than any words I can say.”

PHOTO: MARK ROBINSON/MATCHROOM