Rachel Ball aiming to cause an upset at Matchroom's Fight Camp
Working as a social worker by day and training as a fighter by night, Walsall's Rachel Ball is now aiming to cause an upset on the biggest stage of her boxing career so far.
The 29-year-old works full–time with the elderly who are suffering with mental health difficulties and dementia.
The three–time kickboxing world champion, who transitioned to boxing in 2017, has had to juggle her working life with training as she prepares for the biggest platform of her boxing journey so far.
The Aldridge fighter is featuring on Matchroom's 'Fight Camp' card tonight at the company's HQ in Brentwood, Essex – and she believes her camp has put in her good stead despite the coronavirus pandemic.
"It's been different but it's been really good for me to be honest," she told he Express & Star.
"I've had more time at home while working at home and everything has kind of fallen into place.
"It's unbelievable in the circumstances but I have had a really good camp and I'm feeling in the best shape of my life.
"It's been difficult with work. When we went into full lockdown there was an emphasis on getting everyone out of hospital – as I do some hospital work as well.
"The public have been understanding about our limitations during the coronavirus, as we've had to do phone calls at times rather than seeing people in person.
"There has been challenges and I have had to go out and deal with some emergencies at times.
"I've managed to work from home which has really helped me saving time and my training has been able to fit around that."
Broadcast live on Sky Sports, Ball will put her 5-1 record on the line against 5–0 undefeated 5–0 fighter Shannon Courtenay, who has managed to build up a big social media following under the tutelage of Eddie Hearn.
But Ball is determined to put on a show and prove her worth in front of a worldwide audience.
"It's undeniably going to be the biggest fight of her career so far," she added.
"She has fought the foreigners and the journey–women, so this will be a big test for her.
"I'm sure she's prepared herself as best as possible, but because she hasn't had a test I can't underestimate her.
"We're going in with a lot of confidence too.
"I have had some messages and comments from people abroad. Some coming from America of people placing bets on me, which is bit crazy.
"I'm the underdog in the sense that I'm not as well known, but hopefully what this fight will highlight is that even if you have a massive social media following, that doesn't reflect talent.
"I want to show that you can work full–time and still manage to achieve big platforms like this.
"I have a lot to prove but it's nice to see some people seeing past the hype of Shannon and are messaging me and backing me to win.
"I'm still pinching myself, it doesn't seem real to have this platform – it's all a bit crazy.
"It's a massive platform and I feel like I'm representing Walsall and putting it on the map by showcasing what I've got."
Ball's fiancée and co–trainer Todd Harrison is a groundsman at Walsall FC and he has helped keep her boxing skills honed during lockdown.
Now, with women's boxing putting on some of the most exciting fights over the last few years, Ball is keen to prove that they belong in the ring.
"When I first came into combat sports, people would be shocked that I was a fighter," she said.
"I want to prove that women can be just as talented and skilful.
"Size is a factor and we don't have as much muscle but we certainly have other strengths that we play on as fighters.
"We're determined, strong athletes and it's exciting to be a part of this monumental time in women's boxing."
