Triumphant Return: Nick Ball Prepares for Epic Homecoming Title Defence

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

Nick Ball Returns to Liverpool to Face Ronny Rios

Nick Ball and Frank Warren React to Fight Confirmation

The Liverpool native has fought in Saudi Arabia for his last two bouts, which saw him selected by the Queensberry team to face Matchroom in the historic 5v5 event, with Ball defeating Ray Ford in an entertaining back-and-forth fight. His first appearance in Saudi saw him earn a controversial split draw against Rey Vargas with one judge scoring it 114-112 for Vargas with one card 116-110 for Ball, with the last judge scoring it 113-113. Many watching had Ball winning the fight, after scoring two knockdowns.

With his homecoming title defence now confirmed, “The Wrecking” said: “I literally cannot wait to fight in Liverpool again, this time as a world champion.” He continued: “It has been over four years and it will be really special for me.”

Speaking about the progression made in Liverpool, Ball said: “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.”

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Ball added: “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.”

Queensberry promoter Frank Warren has spoken about the confirmation of Ball-Rios: “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.”

Warren continued: “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.”

Also on the Card

The undercard is shaping up to give us plenty of entertainment with Andrew Cain taking on Joshua John for the Commonwealth and vacant British Bantamweight title. Undefeated super lightweight fighter Henry Turner will take on fellow undefeated fighter Jack Rafferty for the Commonwealth, WBC International Silver and vacant British Super-Lightweight titles.

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Other noticeable appearances on the undercard include Cuban sensation Jadier Herrera, Brad Strand, Jack Turner and Morecambe’s Nelson Birchall