Image source, Queensberry Promotions

Never in doubt, was it?

Nick Ball stepped into the ring as a heavy favourite and the WBA featherweight champion - he stepped out with that title over his shoulder and the world at his feet.

Ball is the latest in a long line of top-level fighters to have emerged from Liverpool and it looks like his story has a few more chapters still to come.

The 27-year-old looked confident when he walked to the ring and it certainly wasn't an act as he delivered a fine performance for his home fans.

We'll probably have to wait a while for Ball to fight in his home city again with Saudi Arabia or the United States likely destinations as he looks to add further gold to his collection.

WBA featherweight champion Nick Ball speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live: "Probably hasn't sunk in yet, when I get back to the changing room, let it sink in it's going to be special to look back on.

"I've boxed all over the world that was different, no place like home."

On the finish: "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."

On whether he was surprised how tough Rios was: "He's had loads of experience, more fights than me, if anything I overestimate opponents and train hard for them so not really no but trickier than expected.

"To be honest I think it was all because of how good the crowd was I thought I had him gone and I was wrong, switched off, let myself open."

On keeping active: "That's active - three fights in one year so massive thanks to my team and Frank Warren kept me active, given me this homecoming like I deserved and like they promised me so thanks a lot to them."

On whether he's taking any time off: "Probably a week off and get back in."

On who he wants to fight next: "I'd like the [Rey] Vargas fight, get the green and gold [WBC] belt."

On fighting in Liverpool: "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 nights I dream of and it's come true."

Queensberry promoter Frank Warren on X: "Nick Ball is such an exciting fighter, fantastic reception from his fans in Liverpool, a deserved homecoming!"

Paul Stevenson, Nick Ball's trainer speaking to TNT Sports: "That was amazing, what a tough man Ronny Rios was because Nick had him finished early in round three and he just came back to life and the shots were heavy, so full credit to him.

"Nick is a force of nature, unstoppable, just getting better with every fight. It was a good learning fight, now Nick's on course to become one of the best fighters in the world and some of biggest fights out there, Inoue, Vargas, let's get them on as soon as possible.

"For me he's the most exciting fighter in the world. To do that, what he's doing at this level, obviously he's world champion, the people he's been in with."

Unification is the word on Nick Ball's lips after making his first defence.

After a controversial draw against WBC champion Rey Vargas in March, could a rematch be on the cards?

Other options areIBF title-holder Angelo Leo and WBO champion Rafael Espinoza.

One name mentioned in the post-fight interview was undisputed super-bantamweight Naoya Inoue.

Could Ball be the man to stop the formidable Inoue?

WBA featherweight champion Nick Ball speaking to TNT Sports: "Yeah delighted, a massive turnout for me. To be honest I think I got a little bit carried away with the crowd - how good it was. 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."

On how much credit needs to go to Ronny Rios: "He's a tough man he come back as well, all respect to him."

On his nose: "My nose always goes, it's boxing you're going to get a little nosebleed, it's what makes champions."

On the support for him tonight: "I can't really explain it to be honest. Special, special feeling, I wanna 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."

On what's next: "Yeah, the ones with the other belts. 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."

Image source, Reuters

Paul Smith
Retired boxer on BBC Radio 5 Live

It was a relentless performance, non-stop aggression from the start, non-stop punch volume, punch accuracy in the shots.

Very good homecoming performance for Nick Ball.

Once again, world level proves a step too far for Rios.

The American has failed in his two previous attempts to win a world title, losing against Rey Vargas and Murodjon Akhmadaliev.

Rios was on the back foot from the first bell and despite a few fleeting moments, never looked like causing an upset.

Image source, Getty Images

Josh Warrington
Former world champion on BBC Radio 5 Live

I'm surprised he [Rios] lasted that long. I thought he was going to shut the show after three or four rounds.

That's the homecoming Ball had been dreaming of.

It was a barrage of punches in the corner and sustained pressure that sent Rios tumbling through the ropes.

Ball returned to Liverpool as a champion and has given his city plenty to be proud of tonight.

Ball had Rios backed up in the corner and picked his shots perfectly.

Rios ended up falling backwards through the ropes.

He got back into the ring and wanted to continue but his corner threw in the towel.

Rios' corner throw the towel in.

Ball retains his WBA featherweight title.

Rios is down again.

Image source, Getty Images

Josh Warrington
Former world champion on BBC Radio 5 Live

I think I'm going to give that round to Ronny Rios.

"Concentrate," is the message from Ball's coach Paul Stevenson between rounds.

Ball throws caution to the wind - not sure how wise that is at this stage - and charges forward to land with a couple of jabs before the pair are held up by the ropes.

I've got Ball winning at least seven, if not eight, rounds, so it might be time to just box a little smarter.

Image source, Queensberry Promotions

Who thought we'd be witnessing the start of round nine when Ball had Rios on the canvas in the third?

Not me, but here we are.

The pace has certainly slowed and that might suit Rios.

Ball may be the shorter fighter but he's certainly not lacking in strength as he pushes Rios four or five steps back.

Rios is as game as anything and comes straight back to engage with a swinging right hook.

Ball responds with a three punch combination.

Paul Smith
Retired boxer on BBC Radio 5 Live

Ball would benefit a lot more from picking his shots now. He doesn't need to be relentless, if he picks his shots he can score knockdowns.

Rios' head rocks back as Ball nestles a right hand in a gap between the gloves.

A tamer round that likely goes the way of Ball.

Rios has to come out looking for a finish - he has 17 on his record - if he's going to pull off an upset.

Image source, Queensberry Promotions

Josh Warrington
Former world champion on BBC Radio 5 Live

A bit 50/50. As soon as the referee started counting, Rios head dipped and he didn't seem to engage in the flurries but it certainly gives Ball a bit of momentum.

Image source, Queensberry Promotions