Nick Ball reveals his feelings about Ronny Rios fight confirmation

Queensberry Promotions has now confirmed in a Press release that WBA featherweight champion Nick Ball (20-0-1, 11 KOs) will defend his title for the first time on October 5 in a memorable home fight against experienced American Ronny Rios (34-4, 17 KOs). The fight is promoted by Queensberry Promotions and will take place at the M&S Bank Arena, exclusively live on TNT Sports. Now that the home fight has been confirmed for Ball, he has revealed his excitement.

Nick Ball returns to Liverpool to face Ronny Rios

Reactions from Nick Ball and Frank Warren to the confirmation of the fight

The Liverpool native has fought his last two fights in Saudi Arabia and was selected by the Queensberry team for the fight against Matchroom in the historic 5v5 Eventwith Ball defeats Ray Ford in an entertaining back-and-forth battle. In his first appearance in Saudi Arabia, he reached a controversial draw with Rey Vargas. One judge scored it 114-112 for Vargas, one card scored it 116-110 for Ball, and the final judge scored it 113-113. Many spectators saw Ball as the winner of the fight after scoring two knockdowns.

With his homecoming title defense Now confirmed, “The Wrecking” said: “I literally can’t wait to fight in Liverpool again, this time as a world champion.” He continued: “It has been over four years and It becomes really special For me.”

Speaking about Liverpool’s progress, Ball said: “The local interest in me and the other lads in the city is constantly growing and we all want to make Liverpool a regular destination for Frank and Queensberry. We have the fighters to do that and I'm sure people will all support us.”

Read more: Five underrated featherweights to watch out for in 2024

Ball added: “It's been a dream year for me so far with two world championship fights. The fact that I can now crown it all by defending my belt at home is the icing on the cake and I'm really happy.”

Queensberry promoter Frank Warren spoke about Ball-Rios’ confirmation: “I'm thrilled to be returning to Liverpool with a world championship fight and undoubtedly the best featherweight in the world, Nick Ball. His journey since beating Isaac Lowe at Wembley in 2022 has been a magical one and no one deserves a big homecoming more than Nick.”

Warren continued: “We have long wanted to give our Liverpool guests a home stage, but first we needed to develop them into star performers and major attractions. Nick has delivered on those requirements in grand style and we're looking forward to a special night at the M&S Bank Arena on October 5.”

Also on the map

The preliminary fights will provide us with plenty of entertainment as Andrew Cain takes on Joshua John for the Commonwealth title and the vacant British bantamweight title. Unbeaten super lightweight boxer Henry Turner will take on fellow unbeaten Jack Rafferty for the Commonwealth title, the WBC International Silver title and the vacant British super lightweight title.

Read more: Murodjon Akhmadaliev wins against Rios in the last round

Other notable supporting acts include Cuban sensation Jadier Herrera, Brad Strand, Jack Turner and Morecambe's Nelson Birchall.