Underdog Doheny Ready to Prove Critics Wrong

Former world champion TJ Doheny has launched a scathing attack on boxing pundits dismissing his chances ahead of Saturday's WBA featherweight title challenge against champion Nick Ball at Liverpool's M&S Bank Arena.

"Those numpties in the boxing media who haven't a clue about boxing," the 38-year-old Irishman stated. "Nick's not silly - he knows he's in for a real fight."

The Road to Redemption

Doheny (26-5, 20 KOs) enters this bout looking to rebound from his September loss to undisputed super-bantamweight champion Naoya Inoue, a fight where he suffered a back injury in the seventh round. The veteran sees this immediate world title opportunity as perfect motivation:

"Straight back into the top level again - that's what drives me," Doheny emphasized. The former IBF super-bantamweight titlist brings valuable championship experience to this showdown.

Champion Ball Focused on First Title Defense

Hometown favorite Nick Ball (21-0-1, 12 KOs) makes his second defense of the WBA strap he won last October against Ronny Rios. The explosive 5'2" champion, nicknamed 'Wrecking Ball' for his Tyson-esque style, remains focused despite talks of a potential mega-fight with Inoue looming.

"I don't care about Doheny's past fights," Ball stated. "I'm focused on delivering a statement performance for my city."

Key Fight Factors to Watch

• Experience vs Youth: Doheny's veteran savvy against Ball's unbeaten record
• Power Differential: Ball's 57% KO rate vs Doheny's 76% stoppage percentage
• Hometown Advantage: Ball fighting in front of Liverpool crowd
• Weight Class Transition: Doheny moving up to featherweight after fighting at 122lbs

Implications for the Featherweight Division

Promoter Frank Warren has touted Ball as one of Britain's best current champions. A decisive win could set up:

1. Potential unification bout with other featherweight champions
2. Super fight against Naoya Inoue if the Japanese star moves up
3. Bigger pay-per-view opportunities for both fighters

"This is exactly the type of fight that reminds people why boxing is the sweet science," Warren commented during the final press conference.