Nick Ball successfully defended his WBA featherweight world title with a punishing 10th-round stoppage victory over Ronny Rios at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool.
The 27-year-old champion, despite a bloodied nose, dominated the fight, delivering powerful combinations that sent Rios to the canvas in both the third and seventh rounds.
From early in the bout, blood streamed from Ball’s nose, but he remained undeterred.
A series of strikes ultimately led to Rios, 34, being knocked out of the ring before his corner threw in the towel.
Fighting close to his hometown, Ball marked his third victory of 2024, reinforcing his reputation as one of the top featherweights in the world.
Ball improved his record to 21 wins and one draw, achieving his 12th stoppage victory in 22 fights.
The arena had a limited capacity with much of the upper tier closed, yet the fans welcomed ‘Wrecking Ball’ like a hero during his entrance.
Making his professional debut in a Liverpool nightclub in 2017, Ball hadn’t fought in the city for over four years.
He rushed to the ring, eager to seize the moment.
Standing at just 5ft 3in, Ball compensates for his height with an aggressive fighting style, evident from the outset as he outmuscled Rios.
The American, who has been in the ring since 2008 but was only competing for the second time in two years, absorbed punishment but managed to land a right hook in the fifth.
As Ball’s nose continued to bleed and his body showed signs of wear, Rios attempted to regroup. He protested a knockdown in the seventh after falling from a left hook.
However, following another barrage from Ball in the next round, Rios was unable to continue, prompting his corner to intervene.
