On October 6 in Liverpool, UK, local WBA featherweight champion (up to 57.2 kg) Nick Ball (21-0-1, 12 KOs) defended his title in a bout against American Ronnie Rios (34-5, 17 KOs).
Fighter Form Leading into the Bout
For the Brit, this was his third fight in 2024: in March, he fought to a draw against Rey Vargas, and in June, Nick earned a split decision victory over Raymond Ford.
Rios, after a loss to Murodjon Akhmadaliev in June 2022, returned nearly two years later in April 2024, stopping Nicolas Polanco early.
Result
By the 3rd round, Ball knocked Rios down. In the 7th, Rios hit the canvas again, and in the 10th round, after a series of punches from the champion, the American was sent flying out of the ring. TKO 10.
This marks the second loss for Rios in his last three fights.
Fight Statistics
According to Compubox, Ball threw 1,079 punches and landed 304 (28.2%). Rios threw 520 punches, landing 196 (37.7%).
The Brit landed 66 jabs out of 391 thrown (16.9%), while Ronnie landed 42 jabs out of 153 thrown (27.5%).
Nick connected with 238 power punches out of 688 thrown (34.6%), while the American landed 154 power punches out of 367 thrown (42%).
Ball landed 27 body shots, 26 of which were power punches. Rios connected to the body 115 times, with 114 of those being power punches.