Nick Ball to Defend WBA Title Against Ronny Rios

Nick Ball is set to defend his WBA featherweight title against Ronny Rios on October 5, 2024, at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, where he returns as an undefeated champion with a record of 20-0-1. Ball recently won the title by defeating Raymond Ford and is confident heading into this matchup, emphasizing his relentless style against the seasoned Rios, who has a record of 34-4. The fight will be broadcast live on BBC Radio 5 Live and ESPN+, with undercard bouts featuring Jack Rafferty and Henry Turner. Rios, who is fighting outside the U.S. for the first time, aims to capitalize on this opportunity for a title after previous unsuccessful attempts. Analysts predict Ball's aggressive tactics may overwhelm Rios, who is seen as an underdog in this encounter. The fight marks a significant moment for Ball as he looks to solidify his status among the top featherweights in the world.