WBA featherweight champion of the world Nick Ball is set to put his title on the line for the very first time on October 5, and he’ll do it on home soil in Liverpool.
The M&S Bank Arena will play host to Ball’s world championship homecoming, where the undefeated Scouser will take on 34-4 American challenger Ronny Rios in his first title defence.
Ball’s last two outings came in Saudi Arabia as part of Riyadh Season, where Ball played a winning part in Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions team that defeated Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing team in their 5 vs. 5 challenge series in Riyadh.
Ball’s victory, against then-WBA champion Ray Ford, saw him deliver the best performance of his career as he moved on to 20-0-1 and elevated his status to world champion.
Now he’s fighting on home soil, he’ll face Rios, who heads into their matchup having picked up a fifth-round knockout victory back in April.
“I literally cannot wait to fight in Liverpool again, this time as a world champion,” said Ball.
“It has been over four years and it will be really special for me.
“Local interest in me and the other lads in the city is growing all the time and we all want to make Liverpool a regular destination for Frank and Queensberry. We’ve got the fighters to make this happen and I am sure the people will get behind us all.
“It has been a dream year for me with two world title fights so far, so to cap it off by defending my belt at home is the icing on the cake and I am so excited.”
Promoter Frank Warren added: “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.
“It has long been our intention to deliver a home platform for our Liverpool contingent, but first we needed to develop them as star performers and major attractions. These boxes have been ticked in a big way by Nick and on October 5 we will be in for a special night at the M&S Bank Arena.”
Ball vs. Rios takes place Saturday, October 5 from the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, England. The event will be aired exclusively live in the UK on TNT Sports.
