Ball to cap 'dream year' with Liverpool world title defence

Nick Ball defeated Raymond Ford in June in Saudi Arabia to claim the WBA title

Nick Ball will make the first defence of his WBA featherweight title against Ronny Rios on 5 October at the M&S Arena in Liverpool.

Ball, 27, returns to his hometown as a world champion for the first time and has not fought in Liverpool for almost four years.

The Briton won the WBA title in June and is undefeated in 21 fights.

"It has been a dream year for me with two world title fights so far, so to cap it off by defending my belt at home is the icing on the cake and I am so excited," Ball said.

Ball defeated Raymond Ford to strip him of his WBA title after suffering heartbreak against WBC champion Rey Vargas in March due to a controversial draw.

Frank Warren, Ball's promoter, believes his fighter is "unquestionably" the best featherweight in the world.

Alongside Rhiannon Dixon and Ellie Scotney, Ball is the only undefeated male British world champion, although the Liverpudlian has the draw on his record.

Challenger Rios has twice contested world titles at super-bantamweight and has four losses in 38 fights.

The American will be fighting outside of the United States for the first time as a professional.