Vargas aims a couple of shots to the body and they are venturing pretty low again.

Vargas re-establishes the range and then connects with a really well-timed left hook as Ball comes charging forward, that might be the best shot of the fight so far.

Another stinging shot to the body of Ball.

These rounds all seem quite close. I've got Vargas leading but only just at the moment.

Image source, Getty Images

Adam Smith
Boxing commentator on BBC Radio 5 Live

Nick Ball needs a punch or two that just stops Vargas in his tracks.

Steve Bunce
Boxing expert on BBC Radio 5 Live

Rey Vargas is used to fighting guys who are smaller and that is why he looks super comfortable.

Now Ball loses his footing as he desperately runs at Vargas and the Mexican steps away by the ropes.

Ball ends up hanging through the ropes!

Still no official knockdowns in this fight but both fighters have been on the canvas at least twice.

A solid jab from Ball to put Vargas on his heels and the champion responds with one of his own.

Image source, Getty Images

Steve Bunce
Boxing expert on BBC Radio 5 Live

There were signs in the round when it looked like Nick was in the round and it was getting close.

Any fight with this style and height difference is going to have to get ugly.

Nick Ball is just being caught far too often for my liking.

Vargas starts the round with intent, catching Ball with a one-two combination.

Oh Vargas is down again but it's a push from Ball and the referee calls a timeout. Ball is given a warning, no point taken this time but he needs to be carful in those moments.

Some good work to the body now from Vargas digging the left in. He's starting to invest in that punch and it could pay as the fight develops.

Lovely combination from Vargas to bring an end to the round.

It's being contested at a good pace. How long can the pair keep this up?

Image source, Getty Images

Adam Smith
Boxing commentator on BBC Radio 5 Live

It's a punishing couple of rounds at the beginning of this fight for Nick Ball.

Steve Bunce
Boxing expert on BBC Radio 5 Live

It's tough for Ball. You can see the difference in height and he can't get too far away in distance.

Vargas ends up on the floor in the opening seconds on of the round but it's not a knockdown. It looks like he just loses his footing as he's trying to step away.

Ball is definitely the more aggressive here initiating most of the sequences but he's caught on the way in with a lovely counter from Vargas.

He might be the shorter fighter but Ball is not being bullied, he's tossing Vargas around when the Mexican tries to hold.

Ball lands a good short left as the pair break.

The Liverpudlian ends the round well but it's all a bit scrappy.

Image source, Getty Images

Steve Bunce
Boxing expert on BBC Radio 5 Live

There's a lot of tactics involved in this fight. I was hoping Nick Ball might have got a little closer after two minutes.

It's hard not to pay attention to the height difference here, Ball is six inches shorter than Vargas at 5ft 2in.

He's having to really charge forward with intent and almost overextend to try and make contact with the head of Vargas.

On the flipside, Vargas aims a shot to the body of Ball and it is borderline low. He receives a light warning from the referee.

Lots of output from both in that round, this could be a lively affair.

Image source, Getty Images

Off we go!

Former Chelsea and Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho is one of the many famous faces spotted ringside in Saudi Arabia tonight.

A special seat was saved next to Turki Alalshikh.

Image source, Matchroom

And here comes WBC featherweight champion Rey Vargas.

Nick Ball very briskly walked to the ring, absolutely no messing about, but it's a completely different approach from Vargas.

Dressed in a white robe with gold trim, he milks the occasion as the pyrotechnics fly into the air either side of the walkway.

Image source, Getty Images

Nick Ball has just made his walk to the ring.

This week has been a very different experience for Liverpool fighter Nick Ball.

Ball has never previously competed outside of the United Kingdom and he finds himself right the middle of a major fight card in Saudi Arabia.

“It feels amazing," Ball told BBC Sport.

"It shows hard work pays off. Stay focused in the gym day out in day out. Keep going and you’ll get to places like this.”

At just 25, Ball still has plenty of good years ahead in the ring and although he has his eyes firmly fixed on tonight's opponent, he isn't going to be satisfied with just one belt around his waist.

Raymond Ford holds the WBA title, Luis Alberto Lopez is the IBF champion and Rafael Espinoza is in possession of the WBO belt.

When asked about the potential to unify the division, Ball said: “I’m aiming for that. I’m not looking past anyone by saying that. I just know what I’ve got in me and I feel like this just the start of something special. The main focus is Friday night, getting the job down and bring the belt back to Liverpool.”

Multiple-weight world champion Manny Pacquiao will be sitting ringside to watch Anthony Joshua take on Francis Ngannou after causing a stir at the weigh-in yesterday.

Pacquiao, who hasn't fought since 2021, posed face-to-face with Conor Benn. We understand talks are taking place over a potential bout.

Pacquiao, speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live: "I'm excited to watch the main event. I already announced it [return to boxing] and I'm looking forward to the fight here."

On potential Conor Benn fight: "I hope in June or July. It's going to be here. I really miss boxing and it's my passion."

Joshua v Ngannou prediction: "I'm going for Ngannou by knock out."

Image source, Getty Images