Nick Ball Shines in Liverpool Homecoming, Defeats Ronny Rios

Nick Ball delivered a commanding performance in front of a supportive hometown crowd in Liverpool, successfully defending his WBA featherweight title by defeating American veteran Ronny Rios in ten rounds. This marked Ball’s first fight in Liverpool in over four years and his inaugural defense since winning the belt from Raymond Ford in June.

Ball, now boasting a record of 21-0-1 with 12 knockouts, was quick off the mark, pressuring Rios from the outset. The 27-year-old champion quickly nullified Rios’s reach advantage by employing rapid footwork and precision punches. “I got a bit carried away with the crowd and got hit with a few too many shots,” Ball admitted post-fight to TNT Sport, acknowledging a bloodied nose that persisted throughout the match.

The fight, which was held at Liverpool for the first time since Ball’s controversial draw with Rey Vargas, proved challenging for Rios, a seasoned fighter with 34 wins and five losses. Rios showed moments of resilience, particularly in the fifth round where he managed to land effective shots to Ball’s body, but ultimately struggled to withstand the relentless barrage from the Liverpudlian.

Rios was knocked down twice during the contest — once in the third round following a powerful left hook, and again in the seventh round. Ball’s ability to control distance and pick precise shots kept his opponent at bay and on the defensive. By the tenth round, Ball brought the fight to a decisive conclusion with a combination ending in a right hook, sending Rios out of the ring. Rios’s corner threw in the towel to signal the end of the bout at two minutes and six seconds into the round.

Looking forward, Ball now eyes a potential rematch with Rey Vargas or a mandatory title defense against former super-bantamweight champion Stephen Fulton. His rigorous fighting style and ability to balance aggression with technical accuracy promises to present formidable challenges to any future opponents.

The event, streamed live on TNT Sports and ESPN+, also featured several other notable bouts, contributing to a lively night of boxing in Liverpool. Fans and viewers praised the intensity and skill displayed by fighters across the night, with Ball’s explosive performance being a particular highlight.