Nick Ball was in a confident mood at today’s final press conference ahead of his first defense of his WBA featherweight title against Ronny Rios.
Ball will take on Rios this Saturday at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool in front of a roaring home crowd. Ball will be back boxing in his home city for the first time since 2020 and he’s spent his last two fights in Saudi Arabia – his first a controversial draw against WBC champion Rey Vargas, followed by victory over Raymond Ford for his world title.
Ball is thrilled to be fighting in front of his beloved Liverpool crowd and will be sharing the stage with four of his stablemates from the thriving Everton Red Triangle gym.
“It’s massive isn’t it because it’s in Liverpool, my home city,” Ball told BoxingScene. “Everyone’s behind me, come out to support me, and in previous fights, they haven’t been able to come. So this one they can, so I need to be putting a show on for them.
“The gym’s flying, we’re all flying in the gym together, and we’re going to be putting on a show for everyone that’s coming out. It’s going to be a special night.”
Ball has emerged as one of the biggest talents in British boxing in recent years and his promoter, Frank Warren, has plans for him to become one of the leading stars in the UK. Such plans could go up in smoke if Ball was to lose to Rios on Saturday night.
Rios, now 34, is a veteran and will be having his third attempt at winning a world title. At today’s press conference, Rios was vocal about how his experience would be key to victory. Ball, however, is not worried about that.
“Every opponent’s dangerous,” said Ball. “Boxing is boxing, and when you get in there it’s dangerous you know. We all know that’s what we signed up for but I’m not really too focused on how dangerous he can be, I’m the one to be worried about, not him.”
Ball and many boxing fans feel that he should be defending two world titles on Saturday night after he was awarded only a draw against Vargas for the WBC title. The now WBA champion has plans to capture the famous green belt he was denied, and the other titles should he beat Rios on Saturday.
“I want whoever’s got the belts,” he said. “Yeah get the [WBC] belt, become unified and undisputed, so yeah, the top spot. Obviously, I’m world champion now, there’s three more belts out there, I need to get them.”
News
When Bon Jovi and Jennifer Nettles took the stage at the CMA Awards for their unforgettable live performance of “Who Says You Can’t Go Home,” it was an instant game-changer! The powerful chemistry between the rock icon and the country star electrified the room, blending their voices in a way that was nothing short of magic. What started as an epic collaboration went on to dominate the Billboard charts, hitting number 1 on the Hot Country Songs chart and eventually earning a Grammy for Best Country Collaboration with Vocals.
Bon Jovi’s live performance of “Who Says You Can’t Go Home” with Jennifer Nettles at the 2006 CMA Awards was a historic moment, bridging the worlds of rock and country music. Originally a track from Bon Jovi’s Have a Nice Day album,…
At the CMA Awards, country music history was made as Carrie Underwood, Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, and a host of other legendary artists took the stage for an unforgettable performance. The crowd was electrified as these powerhouse women of country music shared the spotlight, showcasing their timeless talent and undeniable chemistry. Each artist brought their unique style and energy to the performance, blending classic hits with modern flair, proving why they’re some of the most revered names in the genre.
Carrie Underwood, Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire and other artists hit the stage for an iconic performance at the 2019 CMA Awards. By Pamela Avila Nov 14, 2019 8:24 AMTags Stephen Lovekin/Shutterstock Country music’s biggest night just got a whole lot bigger. In…
Kelly Clarkson and Jennifer Hudson joined forces to deliver a powerful and soulful rendition of “O Holy Night.” The two powerhouse vocalists brought their A-game to the stage, blending their voices in perfect harmony to create a mesmerizing and emotional performance. The crowd was visibly moved as Kelly and Jennifer effortlessly navigated the soaring high notes and tender moments of the beloved Christmas carol.
Kelly Clarkson and Jennifer Hudson delivered a heavenly duet of the holiday standard “O Holy Night” on The Voice’s season 15 finale Tuesday night, trading powerful notes in a made-for-TV moment that felt festive in all the right places. Appearing on a candlelit stage…
During his electrifying show in Virginia, Jelly Roll made an unforgettable move that had the crowd in tears—he invited inmates onstage with him! As they stood together, Jelly Roll shared a powerful message: “The future can be so much more.”
Jelly Roll is currently on top of the world, but life wasn’t always red carpets and CMT nominations. Born Jason DeFord, the “I Am Not Okay” hitmaker cycled in and out of jail as he grappled with addiction in his…
Keith, Blake, Dierks, and Toby took the stage at the ACM Honors in a jaw-dropping tribute to the legendary Glen Campbell with a performance of “Rhinestone Cowboy” that sent chills through the crowd.
There is only one song that comes to mind when thinking of paying tribute to the legendary Glen Campbell: “Rhinestone Cowboy.” It quickly became his signature song, gave him his nickname, and won him the ACM award for Single of the…
Miley Cyrus took the stage with her godmother, the legendary Dolly Parton, and together they delivered a breathtaking duet of the iconic song “Jolene.”
Miley Cyrus and Dolly Parton, Miley’s godmother, have performed the classic “Jolene” together several times, including a memorable New Year’s Eve performance on Miley’s New Year’s Eve Party in Miami in 2022. During this show, the duo surprised audiences by…
End of content
No more pages to load
