Connor O’Neill reports from the M&S Bank Arena after Nick Ball stops Ronny Rios
Nick Ball has set his sights on a unification bout against Rey Vargas after living up to his promise of producing an all-action display against Ronny Rios. Speaking in the build-up to the bout at the M&S Bank Arena, Ball promised an all-action performance to pay back the support he has received from those in Liverpool.
The 27-year-old, who was making the first defence of the WBA featherweight title he won back in June, was fighting in Liverpool for the first time in four years. But while some might have expected Ball to savour the moment of walking out in front of his supporters in his home city, he did the complete opposite.
Clearly wanting to get down to business, the Everton Red Triangle man walked at pace to the ring before immediately getting down to work the minute the first bell sounded. Ball’s early pressure eventually paid off when he sent Rios flying to the canvas in round number three after he caught him with a short left-hook.
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To his credit, the experienced American rose to his feet before he showed huge heart to survive until the end of the round. Ball, despite having blood pouring from his nose after it broke, continued to land shots and knocked Rios down for a second time in the seventh round.
But again, the 34-year-old showed huge heart to rise to his feet and fight on. However, by this point, you could sense the American was starting to feel the effects of the shots he was receiving.
Roared on by thousands in attendance, Ball eventually secured the finish many had come to see. Backing Rios up against the ropes, the Liverpool supporter unleashed a flurry of punches that eventually resulted in the American flying out of the ring.
And although he attempted to beat the 10-count, the towel came in from his corner and the fight was waved off.
“To be honest, I think I got a little bit carried away with the crowd – how good it was,” Ball said post-fight. “Got hit with a few too many shots. It is what it is.
“I’m sure it all makes for a good fight. It’s exciting. He’s a tough man; he came back as well, all respect to him.
“That’s what we train for stuff like that, take them out. Hats off to him, he caught me with a few on my nose. My nose always goes, it’s boxing; you’re going to get a little nosebleed; it’s what makes champions.”
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Reflecting on the support he received inside the arena, Ball continued: “I can’t really explain it, to be honest. Special, special feeling.
“I want to thank every single person that has come out to support me. I wouldn’t be here doing what I’m doing without them.
“I appreciate it all. It just shows you Liverpool always back their own; that was proof. Hard work pays off.
“I started off on small shows, my professional debut was in a nightclub, and now I’m here. It’s just the nights I dream of, and it’s come true.”
Stephen Fulton has already been installed as Ball’s official mandatory challenger, while unification fights against Angelo Leo and Rafael Espinoza have also been mentioned as possible next fights.
However, Ball would love another crack at Vargas following their controversial draw back in March. One judge scored the bout 116-119 to Ball, another scored it 114-112 to Vargas, but one scored it 113-113, despite the fact the Everton Red Triangle fighter floored the Mexican on two separate occasions.
“I’d like the [Rey] Vargas fight, to get the green and gold [WBC] belt,” he said. I’ve got one of four, there’s another three out there, so coming for them, coming for them belts.
“That green one [WBC] would be nice to get because that should be mine anyway, hopefully get that one.”
