T.J.'s News

T.J. drops his first amateur fight after a tough split-decision loss at US Bank Arena.

Fight Results Provided By: Fightticker.com

T.J. Ball vs. Kevin Barton

This fight is for the ICF Amateur Light Heavyweight Title. Barton, the challenger, fights out of Sacan MMA. Ball, the defending Champ, fights out of Team Vision and Rob Radford's Boxing 4 Fitness.

Round 1
Ball opens up with an overhand right and Barton takes Ball down. Barton slips out of a loose guillotine attempt and Ball scrambles but Barton manages to keep top position. Barton switches positions and looks for a north-south choke, but Ball gets out. Barton scores another big takedown and Ball looks for the kimura from the bottom. Barton scores some body shots, but Ball is working the kimura. Barton manages to shake off one of Ball's arms and Ball pulls guard. Barton lands some short head shots from the top to close out the round.

I don't think Barton scored too much damage on Ball in that round, but he should've easily won the round with his takedown skills and ability to keep Ball from assuming a dominant position.

Round 2
Ball starts off the round landing a hard right hook. The two battle back and forth trying for takedowns and Ball lands another hard short shot before Barton takes him down. Ball lands a kick from the bottom position as Barton backs off (not quite an upkick), but Barton moves back in and Ball has half-guard. Barton works to pass and tries to secure a guillotine but Ball shakes him off and manages to switch positions and land a few hard shots before Barton takes the top position again and body bumps Ball a couple times. Barton lands more body shots as the round ends.

Ball had a better round this time, but Barton still dominated on the ground. Ball clearly has the advantage standing and Barton has the better ground control.

PreView sees it 10-9 Barton.

Round 3
Ball tries to move in with a short left hook but Barton ties him up and works for a single leg takedown before transitioning to a double-leg which finally gets Ball down. Ball has Barton tied up in a guillotine attempt, but lets go. Barton lands some body shots from the top and transitions to the north-south position but Ball drives through with his legs and pushes Barton against the cage. Ball stands but Barton scores another double leg takedown, although it merely got Ball to the ground - the slam itself didn't have much of an effect. Ball lands some head shots from the bottom position but ultimately is only able to tie Barton up before Barton backs off and again shoots in for the takedown. Ball works to land more head shots as Barton shoots in again.

Barton appeared to dominate the round, although it was not a necessarily dominant performance. He was able to take Ball down almost at will, but wasn't able to finish when he got it down or cause much damage to Ball.

PreView sees it 10-9 Barton.

Kevin Barton wins via split decision to become the new ICF Amateur Light Heavyweight Champ. (29-28 Barton, 29-28 Ball, 29-28 Barton)

Photos Provided By: Intimidation Cage Fighting

Full Length Fight Video Is Available HERE