Perhaps no fighter in boxing has a more apt ring moniker than Nick “The Wrecking” Ball, who makes the maiden defense of his WBA featherweight title against Ronny Rios on Saturday, Oct. 5, at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool. The 12-round bout, plus undercard action, will be broadcast in the U.S. by ESPN+.
WATCH Nick Ball vs. Ronny Rios live on ESPN+
Ball (20-0-1, 11 KOs) won the title in June with a thrilling points triumph over highly touted American Raymond Ford. Having been disappointed with a draw against longtime WBC titleholder Rey Vargas three months earlier, it was the ultimate vindication for the Liverpool man.
“It’s frustrating what happened, but there are worse things going on in the world,” said Ball on Queensberry’s Locked In show via BoxingScene. “It is what it is. I’m lucky enough to have a solid team around me and a promoter in Frank Warren, who got me another opportunity for a world title. That took the edge off it as well. You can’t sit around feeling sorry for yourself.”
Rios (34-4, 17 KOs) hails from California and has been on and around the world scene for several years. While he’s fallen short against the likes of Vargas, Azat Hovhannisyan and Murodjon Akhmadaliev, he does own victories over Diego De la Hoya and Oscar Negrete.
The Sporting News looks at the odds for this world title fight and predicts the outcome.
Nick Ball vs. Ronny Rios odds, betting
Per FanDuel, Ball is the -1300 favorite while Mikhailovich is the +770 underdog. The draw is +2900.
Nick Ball vs. Ronny Rios prediction
Ball is only 5 feet 2 and frequently gives away height and reach to the opposition. That will be the case once again with Rios, who is 5 1/2 inches taller than the champion.
The bad news for the challenger is that Ball uses his lack of height to his advantage. The home fighter moves his head well, he stays off the line and his quick feet help him cut the distance, allowing him to release those power-packed signature flurries in every round.
In terms of energy and fitness, Ball is one of the best-conditioned fighters in the world and thus can maintain a high pace for 12 rounds. At 27, he’s seven years younger than Rios, who will struggle to match his opponent’s work rate and intensity.
The champ is coming off two energy-sapping world title fights and has earned this homecoming affair. Rios is a good fighter and deserves respect, but this is the wrong time to be facing a rampaging pressure fighter like Ball.
The constant pressure will be too much for Rios, who will be worn to a frazzle and taken out shortly after the midway point.
SN Prediction: Ball TKO 8 (+850)
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