Nick Ball vs Ronny Rios Set for Championship Homecoming

WBA featherweight champion Nick Ball is set to defend his title for the first time in a highly anticipated homecoming bout on Saturday, October 5, at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool.

Ball, who holds an impressive record of 20-0-1 (11 KOs), will face the seasoned American fighter Ronny Rios (34-4, 17 KOs). Rios is riding high after a fifth-round knockout victory over Nicolas Polanco on ProBox TV and brings a wealth of experience into the ring.

Nick Ball secured his WBA title in June with a hard-fought split-decision win over Raymond Ford in Riyadh. This victory followed a draw in his previous bout, where he challenged Rey Vargas for the WBC title.

Expressing his excitement for the upcoming fight, Ball said, “I literally cannot wait to fight in Liverpool again, this time as a world champion. It’s been over four years since I fought here, and it will be really special for me. The local support is growing, and we want to make Liverpool a regular destination for Frank and Queensberry. We’ve got the fighters to make this happen, and I’m sure the people will get behind us all.”

Ronny Rios, a tough competitor, was last seen in a title fight in June 2022, where he was stopped in the 12th round by Murodjon Akhmadaliev for the IBF junior featherweight title. Now, he’s looking to make his mark again in Liverpool.

The stacked Liverpool card also includes several exciting matchups. Following a dominant stoppage victory in Birmingham, Andrew Cain (12-1, 11 KOs) will clash with Joshua John (10-2) for the Commonwealth and British bantamweight titles. Undefeated fighters Henry Turner (13-0, 5 KOs) and Jack Rafferty (23-0, 14 KOs) will battle for the Commonwealth and vacant British junior-welterweight titles.

Additionally, Cuban prospect Jadier Herrera (15-0, 13 KOs) will be showcasing his skills, alongside local Liverpool fighters Brad Strand (11-1-0, 3 KOs) and Jack Turner (7-0, 6 KOs), as well as Morecambe’s Nelson Birchall (4-0, 1 KO).

Promoter Frank Warren expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I am thrilled to be returning to Liverpool with a world title fight and, unquestionably, the best featherweight in the world in Nick Ball. His journey since beating Isaac Lowe at Wembley Stadium in 2022 has been a magical ride, and nobody deserves a big homecoming more than Nick.”