Nick Ball vs Ronny Rios (05-10-2024) Full Fight
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SportsTranscript
00:00Okay gentlemen, I've spoken to the dressing rooms, that's the belt line, okay?
00:05In the event of a knockdown, the fighters standing will go to the furthest neutral corner and stay there.
00:11Protect yourself at all times, touch gloves.
00:18The final instructions from Bob Williams.
00:22Nicky Ball, could he ever truly have believed that this would all happen and happen so quickly, but here he is now defending.
00:30The final tap of the gloves, the raised punches gloves favoured by Ball, we know about his power right from the get-go.
00:37Rios can be a very sharp starter as well, Richie.
00:42Yeah, indeed, and obviously Rios has got the 5-inch reach advantage and he's got to try and use that, but yeah, I think Nick Ball, you know, he features so quick and with quick hands as well, Paul.
00:56He sort of snubs that out, if you like, with a lot of his opponents, that height and reach advantage because he starts really quickly and he's quick actually closing that gap down.
01:07So unless you've got a razor-sharp jab and you can keep your distance, then Nick Ball is going to get to you at some stage and he starts really quickly and again, Rios is actually crouching down, taking Nick Ball on and I don't think that's a good thing to do.
01:22It's just in his nature to fight that way, Richie. He's done it and come up short just by fine margins against really brilliant fighters.
01:32Maybe he thinks he can put some manners on young Mr Ball tonight, that would be a mistake in my view and already some of these shots are thudding into Rios from Ball.
01:42Yeah, and what a lot of Ball's opponents don't realise, Paul, he's got a terrific jab as well and he delivers it with a lot of power and now he's starting to land some big power shots here.
01:56Smart enough, Ball, just to back away and show the respect to Rios. Could have been a bit of cat and mouse about that from Rios.
02:03Little flashes of the quality work from Rios in the opening phase of this but by and large Ball has been brisk and business-like once more.
02:19Go to work, they say, to Rios from his corner.
02:23Try and claim something back in this round but Ball is landing all the shots that really count so far.
02:29And he's got good variation in his shots, Paul. There's a couple of good right hooks going in from Nick Ball here, closing that gap down, using the jab as the measuring tool and then whips that right hand around the lead hand of his opponent.
02:46There it is there, look, right on cue and again, whips a couple in and they're getting through.
02:52Started to shift Rios off his balance a little bit and it's very early to be saying that.
02:59If it goes on in this fashion he may soon start to say to himself, I actually have not fought anybody like this. The guys I have fought are world-class, Vargas and Akhmadaliyev, slightly different.
03:11So you can see the tactics from Ronnie Rios here, he's keeping the guard high, he's keeping the chin down and he's crouching down and he's trying to catch a lot of the shots on top of the head and the forehead, which can obviously result in a hand injury.
03:25You can see what he's trying to do but I think this has been a good round for Nick Ball, he's actually got through with a lot of punches here.
03:32Little shot, right uppercut and a knowing look across the ring from Ronnie Rios, as if to say, yeah, you are all that already.
04:02Move forward with vitality.
04:33It's been a very good start from Nicky Ball, echoed in the corner by Paul Stevenson but also quite measured.
04:41You know what Paul, Rios boxing like this, it's only going to be a matter of time before Nick Ball lands a clean shot because the opportunities are there, especially with this right hand that he's whipping around the lead hand of Rios.
05:02We're going to really test, see how tough Rios is here and again big shots going in from Nick Ball.
05:09He's tough and he's come to win Ronnie Rios but at the moment he's in danger of being outpowered completely by Nicky Ball here.
05:17At this stage in his career, can it truly be said to be wise, 34 years of age, standing in the line of fire like this.
05:25At his best Richie, I've seen him in fights where around the sides, a bit like that there, he's such a snaky, clever puncher but he's not landing those shots tonight, he's too square.
05:36Yeah he is indeed.
05:38Ideal for Ball.
05:39Yeah absolutely, Rios for me is choosing the wrong tactics here, he's being outworked and he's really risking it but that wasn't too bad.
05:48That's a little bit of Rios of five years ago right there but can he sustain it anymore?
05:54And it's the shots he's taken in between these bursts that he's doing Paul, that's his problem.
05:59Look at that for a lead up, what a shot that was.
06:02Ball absolutely brilliant at retaining balance through the combinations, forget about the power for a moment.
06:12And it's already started to look a bit slow at times here, troublingly from Rios' point of view.
06:18Ball is able to work at his own pace Rich, he's not rushing his work.
06:22Well not only work at his own pace but look at the confidence, he keeps switching from orthodox to tight Paul and look at this for a sustained attack Paul.
06:29Rios going back in a straight line, pausing for a respite on the rope, that may not be a very good idea for very long.
06:35Here comes Ball again, upstairs and will he go downstairs?
06:40Rios struggling for room, struggling for time in this fight.
06:49He can't surely be saying to himself I'm going to weather the storm Rios, is that the plan?
06:55It's a hell of a risk isn't it, what a gamble that is.
06:59He's fighting Nick Ball exactly the way Nick Ball wants him to box here, just standing in front of him, crouching down so Nick Ball doesn't really have to go looking for him too much.
07:11I mean look he's just in punching range all the time.
07:15Yes we're certainly going to see how tough Rios is tonight Paul because he's on the receiving end here, again it's a good round for Nick Ball.
07:24If he wasn't so seasoned suddenly Ball at the very top level having fought Vargas and Ford in recent fights, it might have been a different story.
07:34There's a bit of blood right on the bell for Ball but I don't think it's serious.
07:54Watch Finder, the pre-owned watch specialist.
08:24Yeah these right hands that are getting through Paul, 2-3 got through there.
08:30Lead left uppercut there, super punch indeed.
08:34Ball already halfway across the ring to welcome back Ronnie Rios for round 3.
08:39If Rios wants to persist with this plan it seems destined that he will be overwhelmed in the end.
08:47What a terrific start to the round Paul from Ball, for Ronnie Rios just tried a shot, he missed the target and Ball countered with a terrific punch.
08:58And again, these are cracking shots from Ball.
09:02Fantastic, almost out of this world, certainly world class.
09:07Rios springs to his feet, Bob Williams is looking in his eyes, he's asking the question of the moral fiber of Rios.
09:14Do you really want this? Do you want to put yourself through what is coming your way?
09:19Here it comes again, Ball is irrepressible, Ball seems unstoppable, Ball fighting like this seems destined to climb to the true elite level in world boxing.
09:31Who can handle this?
09:33Yeah incredible again, sustained attack from Nick Ball getting through with the uppercuts, right hands over the top.
09:39It's all Nick Ball at this stage, Ronnie Rios just on those ropes, a bad position, has he recovered? Nick Ball goes for him again.
09:49The shots are just bouncing off him, the ones that Rios offers and Ball is just composing himself, taking them on his arms and preparing to launch attack after attack.
10:00Bob Williams is examining him very closely Richie, the third man.
10:04He's actually more vulnerable when he lets his hands go, Ronnie Rios, this is a sustained attack again from Nick Ball.
10:10Referee really close there I thought.
10:15This is when he's vulnerable, when he actually lets his hands go, look at that first shot there again from Nick Ball.
10:20It's absolutely devastating.
10:24An unstoppable torrent.
10:27Low from Rios, two or three times.
10:30Nick Ball spent a lot of energy in this round up to now, he's really gone for it, he's gone for the stoppage here.
10:38Ronnie Rios very experienced remember but again on the receiving end.
10:43In terms of defiance, almost madness by way of an approach, Rios really takes the biscuit for this.
10:51But he is a sitting target, a stationary target.
10:55A sitting target, a stationary target.
10:59Offering so little coming back.
11:01Ball can set himself for attack after attack.
11:04Bob Williams is poised.
11:07Yeah he's showing so much bottle here Ronnie Rios, faking these shots but Ball, look at the referee how close he is.
11:13He's got to throw something back here Rios and the referee will jump in.
11:17One clean shot away I would say, last few seconds of this third round.
11:22Will he see it through? Will Ball finish it here and now?
11:25It's looked likely throughout the third round.
11:28All the kudos in the world to Rios if he goes back to his corner still in the fight.
11:32Which I think he is going to do, somehow.
11:43That was brilliant Richie but it was hard to watch.
11:46Unbelievable what a hard man this fella is.
11:49Let's have a look at it here, Nick Ball.
11:51So there's the shot, it was a lazy jab from Rios and he gets caught then.
11:55With a barrage of punches from Nick Ball who really went for it.
11:58He knew he caught his opponent here Rios with a terrific shot.
12:03Lead left uppercut there went in and just kept the attack going.
12:06Sustained the pressure and really went for it.
12:08I thought he went for the stoppage here Nick Ball, no question.
12:11And I think he was probably one punch away from actually,
12:15stopping Rios.
12:17So the referee was so close at this stage Paul.
12:19He's just waiting for a clean punch to land.
12:21Unbelievable barrage of shots going in here from Nick Ball.
12:24Close to the stoppage but he gets through.
12:28I suppose miracles do happen.
12:30We've seen one punch finishes the other way.
12:35But barring that, this has been an electrifying show already again from Ball.
12:40Yeah that's indeed.
12:42He gets through doesn't he?
12:44I mean look at Rios, he's guard, he's keeping the hands up,
12:46he's trying to keep the elbows tucked in.
12:48But shots get through.
12:50He's leaning forward remember so he's making it a little bit easier for Nick Ball.
12:53But nevertheless, Nick Ball there's not a lot to aim at there
12:56but he still gets through with the shots.
12:58Nick Ball sustains the pressure, volume of punches.
13:02And look at this again, what an attack.
13:04That wasn't a bad response from Rios.
13:06Almost knocked off balance again.
13:10Rios thought long and hard about coming back into this hardest of sports.
13:16But he went away and he worked diligently and very quietly for a whole year
13:20to get his conditioning right.
13:22Even before his own team would talk to him about the comeback.
13:25I wonder what his thoughts are right now.
13:27Maybe he's just a little bit tired.
13:29Maybe he's just a little bit tired.
13:31Maybe he's just a little bit tired.
13:33I wonder what his thoughts are right now.
13:35Maybe he'd say, you know what, this kind of combat is what I missed.
13:40It's certainly very, very hard to see a way he comes through the other side of it.
13:47Yeah, this is tough isn't it?
13:50For Rios here, well fair play to him, he's still there.
13:53But you're just waiting for Nick Ball to land another clean shot.
13:57Lots of opportunities.
14:00Like I said, when Rios actually lets his hands go, that's when he's more vulnerable.
14:04That's when the openings start to appear.
14:06This is where he's got to watch it.
14:07Those shots have got to be crisp and sharp.
14:09And he's got to get those hands back up very quickly.
14:14Ball almost standing square and just waiting to pivot and throw the big shots.
14:19Rios backs onto the ropes again, takes two or three straight right hands
14:22in that excellent combination from Ball.
14:24You're right though Richie, Rios has had better moments in this round.
14:27As if to say, I've looked into the abyss in this fight.
14:30What can be worse?
14:31Yeah, exactly.
14:32But how much can he keep taking though Ball?
14:34This is the big question.
14:36Again on the receiving end, Ball going, landing.
14:39That's another good shot from him.
14:41It really was.
14:42Rios didn't catch it on the way back out again did he?
14:45And another good crisp jab from Ball.
14:50I mean I take my hat off to Ronan Rios.
14:52What a tough man he really is.
14:58Oops.
15:00Lead left uppercut again from Nick Ball.
15:03What a super shot.
15:04Great variation in his work.
15:06Going for a pull.
15:08This time in his own corner.
15:15Rios doing his best to shut himself down like a hedgehog.
15:19But he's not spiky enough from his own middle shell is he?
15:24That's the problem.
15:25It's easy for Ball.
15:26Again he can't afford to try and throw shots like that and leave himself open Rios.
15:36At least Rios had a moment or two in that one.
15:56You need to run a business in one app.
15:58It's time to lead.
15:59Time for business.
16:26Nicky Ball is right on top of his game once more tonight.
16:29And he is breathtaking like this.
16:32He's surely miles clear.
16:35So far.
16:40On the other hand Richie.
16:41Bob Williams the referee was maybe a moment or two away from stopping it.
16:45And Rios knows that.
16:46And that having been through so much in his career.
16:49May say listen.
16:51I'm on free time here now.
16:55If he allows the space it's going to be the same and more.
16:58Punishment after punishment.
17:00Round after round.
17:03Well he's obviously trained really hard for this one Rios.
17:05He's in good condition.
17:06To take this type of stick and still come through it.
17:09That shows he's really fit.
17:10So he'd have had a really hard camp.
17:12He's trained really well for this one.
17:14But again we know that Nick Ball is relentless.
17:18He just keeps it going.
17:19He seems to punch as quick in every round Paul.
17:23Same speed.
17:24Same power.
17:26Rios for me.
17:27When he's letting his hands actually goes in twos and threes.
17:30That's probably when he's more vulnerable and open.
17:33I think he's got to stick to single shots.
17:35And maybe the odd right uppercut on the inside most certainly.
17:39Those kind of shots in his heyday.
17:40Those lefts to the body particularly were extremely effective.
17:44But can he fight at the pace that Ball is setting?
17:47I rather doubt it Richie.
17:49See those are a little bit better shots.
17:51Those singles there.
17:54He's having glimpses here.
17:56And that's mainly because I think Nick Ball has just actually slowed down a little bit.
18:00And he's keeping his distance a little bit more now Ball.
18:03So maybe he's taking a round off himself.
18:05He's put a lot of effort into these rounds remember Nick Ball.
18:08He's won every one of them.
18:09He's got a 10-8 in there as well with the knockdown.
18:13But Rios just starting to believe in himself a little bit here.
18:16So Nick Ball's got to try and snub this out.
18:18This isn't a bad response from Rios.
18:23He is defying logic to a great degree.
18:25Potentially he's going to win this round at the moment.
18:30The blood from the nose of Ball going everywhere to be honest.
18:37But he's undeterred by that.
18:44The great thing is the way it's gone so far.
18:46There is no need for Ball to rush into anything Richie.
18:50Rios has got it all on to clamber back into this fight.
18:53Even if it does keep going.
18:56And he's taking the odd shot here though Nick Ball.
18:58But still the speed still with him.
19:00He's just naturally slowed down a little bit.
19:02He might be just taking a little bit of a breather.
19:04Understandably Paul the pace that he's set.
19:07But that's just allowed Rios in the corner.
19:10Rios' corner shouting at him and trying to encourage him.
19:14Because he's been on the receiving end.
19:16This has probably been his best round Paul to be honest.
19:18The jab has started to work a little bit better.
19:32Paul trying to make sure he claims the round with that attack right on the bell.
19:36But Rios might be well pleased with what's happened there.
19:48Do you hear me?
19:51Do you hear me?
19:52Do you want to spit?
19:56Breathe in through your mouth.
19:57Lovely and cool.
19:59Breathe through your mouth nice and calm.
20:07That nose under control.
20:08Andrew's good.
20:10So now more of the same.
20:12Start switching the attack to the body.
20:14Look for your uppercuts because you're landing them.
20:16Your jab.
20:17Tight and tidy.
20:18You're beating them up.
20:19Slowly breaking them down.
20:21Don't give them anything.
20:22Give nothing away.
20:23Wave the body.
20:24Bring in the uppercuts.
20:25And the emporium for the education of the young pugilists of Liverpool in operation.
20:30Everybody is calm.
20:31Everybody is focused.
20:33The Everton Red Triangle on this great night for the club.
20:37And Paul the star pupil from the academy at this moment.
20:42And he's bossing a world title fight here in Liverpool.
20:46But world class Ronny Rios is not going to just walk out and leave Paul to take the accolades.
20:54He is going to try to make Paul work for this.
20:58Yes most certainly.
20:59I thought Ronny Rios had his best round in the last round.
21:03Give him a bit of confidence.
21:04There's a superb jab there from Paul.
21:07That was excellent.
21:08Just a simple shot.
21:09Stepping in.
21:10Short range jab if you like.
21:12What a shot that was as he's moving forward.
21:15And he's listening to his coach there.
21:16Paul Stevenson sent him.
21:17He said get back behind your jab.
21:19Set up the attacks.
21:20Break the opponent down.
21:22That's what he said.
21:24And I think you know Paul knows he's in a fight here.
21:26Rios has weathered the storm a little bit.
21:28But it's still all on Nick Ball.
21:36If it is to be a loss for Rios there's a way to lose isn't there for a man like Rios.
21:42And this is it.
21:43In boxing parlance going out on your shield.
21:47But if he keeps going like this we may see him again in a big fight.
21:52Because people will notice.
21:54A. How brave he has been.
21:56B. How he kept going under the most extreme pressure in round 3.
22:00And then Richie since then in flashes.
22:02Good boxing from him.
22:04Keeping Ball at it.
22:09Yes certainly making Nick Ball think a little bit.
22:14And again good uppercut on the inside.
22:18Rios felt the uppercut.
22:20But Bob Williams said you were hanging on to him a bit.
22:22He just gave him a little shove didn't he into that corner.
22:24I don't know if he wasn't too pleased with that.
22:26But nevertheless set up well again behind that jab.
22:30That's a nice shot from Rios.
22:32And a good response from Nick Ball.
22:36He seems to put everything into every shot doesn't he Nick Ball.
22:40It's a great effect normally.
22:42Maybe what we're seeing as well Richie.
22:44Is the ring rust falling off Rios as the rounds go by.
22:47Because at his own pace in this fight.
22:49He is starting to produce.
22:52But when he's been out for so long with only one comeback fight.
22:55Nowhere near this level.
22:57What a rude reintroduction it has been tonight.
23:01For Ronnie Rios.
23:02Absolutely.
23:04But maybe he loves it.
23:07Well you know you've got to give him great credit for coming back the way he has.
23:10Because he's been under so much pressure.
23:12He's been hurting there.
23:14One point he was very close to being stopped.
23:16But he weathered the storm he got through it.
23:18And now that's given him a little bit of momentum.
23:22And he's flooring his way back or trying to anyway.
23:26Leading with the hook there.
23:27That was a bad shot there for Nick Ball.
23:29But he got back into it quite well there after that shot.
23:37Wow it's breathless stuff.
23:39Captivating world title fight from here at ringside.
23:42Let's see how it looks from the perspective of Mr. Steve Bunce.
23:46Steve.
23:47Breathless indeed.
23:48It is absolutely dempo.
23:50In the third round I think we all thought it was going to be over.
23:52But he's worked his way back into the fight Rios.
23:55He might not be winning the rounds.
23:56But he's making Ball think.
23:58Thankfully Ball slowed down a bit.
24:00So far we've had a fight of two halves.
24:02We're moving into the final stretch now.
24:04Be interested to see what Rios does.
24:06I'm not quite sure Rios has got that much left.
24:09It was a great plan.
24:10I don't think it worked.
24:11But he's made Nick Ball think.
24:13And that's all we want from our champions.
24:15That we see them think and hit people on the chin dempo.
24:21Richie your scorecard.
24:22Thank you Steve.
24:24Yeah I've only given Ronnie Rios one round.
24:27That was the previous couple of rounds ago.
24:30So I think Nick Ball is well in control.
24:32He's well on top.
24:34But there are signs from Ronnie Rios.
24:37That he is getting a little bit of belief into his boxing.
24:41But Nick Ball is well ahead here Paul.
24:43No question.
24:44Andy O'Neill in the corners had a busy night.
24:46Alongside Paul Stevenson.
24:48Swabbing away the blood from that nose injury of some sort.
24:52We may hear more about the nose after the fight.
24:54But in the heat of battle forget it.
25:00He goes over Rios.
25:03And it's going to be counted as a knockdown.
25:05Rios doesn't agree with that.
25:08It was a good left hook that went in there wasn't it.
25:10But at the same time.
25:12Maybe not balanced.
25:13We'll have to have a look at it again at the end of the round.
25:16But certainly Ball definitely caught him with a left hook.
25:18A very good moment again Richie.
25:20For Ball here perhaps.
25:22As we start the second half of the fight.
25:25Much like the first half.
25:27That's nice there.
25:28Just maintaining that gap Nick Ball.
25:30And then just punching into that space.
25:32That's what he's so good at.
25:35Short and mid-range power punch yet.
25:39He just leans back and finds that room in space.
25:41Bad position for Rios to be in on top of the herd.
25:44Just above us on the ropes.
25:46And he's really had to crack his shot again from Ball there.
25:49And that lead up across Paul.
25:51Belting shot.
25:53The pressure's building again.
25:57Ball is boiling up.
25:59Rios.
26:00Right into his own corner.
26:03But friendless in the world at this moment here in Liverpool.
26:07The boy from the red triangle.
26:09The red ring post behind Rios.
26:15The good uppercuts again went in from Nick Ball.
26:17He's a bad position for Rios.
26:19Gets caught again there.
26:23These are bad times there for Rios.
26:25Nick Ball I think senses victory here.
26:27Ball has just got to steady himself.
26:29He does.
26:30It would be foolhardy at this stage to walk on to one Richie
26:33when he's in such a clear lead.
26:37Isn't it intriguing at world level?
26:38Every time he's fought for a world title.
26:40Three in sidewalk, seven months.
26:42Completely different test.
26:47This is a really tough fight for both boxers here.
26:51Great shot again.
26:52Nick Ball simple jab.
26:54Rios trying to respond.
26:56How much has he got left?
27:09Setting up these attacks again.
27:11Nick Ball behind that jab.
27:12Sensible listening to his corner.
27:16The Rios corner just urging him to pick the pace up.
27:19Easier said than done.
27:21Maybe the Rios of ten years ago would have obliged.
27:23But not now.
27:24He's in against the kid.
27:26Who's what?
27:27Seven years younger and fresher.
27:30And full of belief that he's going to retain his world title.
27:50That was a much better round.
27:53Paul Stephenson says good round again.
27:55Wasn't quite at the level of the third
27:57in terms of the destruction, Richie.
27:59But it wasn't far behind.
28:00No, not at all.
28:01It was at the start of the round.
28:04Let's have a look here.
28:05So yeah, it's more or less on the side of the head, isn't it?
28:07And it is a slight push also.
28:09But I don't know whether it was actually a clean shot, Paul.
28:12It was sort of on the temple or on the side of the head.
28:15But here he keeps the attacks going.
28:17A couple of good uppercuts going in from Nick Ball.
28:20Nick Ball, the referee, very close indeed.
28:23Just taking a look at the action there.
28:25But another round for Nick Ball.
28:28To sum up how hard this fight has been,
28:30the referee, Bob Williams,
28:31while he waited to draw the two fighters to the middle of the ring,
28:35he looked at his own shirt.
28:37His shirt front is absolutely covered in blood.
28:39And at that ringside, there is blood all over the place.
28:43All over the place.
28:45What a trade it is.
28:46Yeah, unbelievable.
28:51Paul with an educated jab to start the round.
28:55Can he keep on turning up the pressure as he's done
28:59in the best spells of what's been a fairly devastating performance all round so far?
29:03Yes, he has.
29:04Can Rios keep on responding?
29:05Can Rios keep taking these shots, Paul?
29:08Because the only chance for me that Rios has got here
29:11is if Nick Ball runs out of gas.
29:13And we know he doesn't do that.
29:14He can maintain this sort of pace for 12 rounds.
29:17Absolutely.
29:18And he can produce these fast, hard, crisp shots late on in a contest.
29:23That's why he's a world champion.
29:25And Rios will be hoping and praying that he can slow down.
29:28But there's no sign just yet.
29:30Two of Paul's inside the distance wins have come very late indeed
29:34in 12-round championship fights.
29:36And one of the big fears, I think, dispelled already at this stage
29:40that because it's Liverpool, because it means so much to Ball tonight,
29:44because it means so much to all the people of Liverpool,
29:47that Ball would just throw too much petrol on the fire too soon.
29:52I don't think he fell for that. Do you?
29:55No, I don't, Paul.
29:57He just got caught with a good right uppercut there.
30:00But again, keeps switching orthodox to safe.
30:03Oh, lovely shot again from Nick Ball.
30:05Big right hand.
30:09Ball stalking his prey again.
30:12Rios knows the role he's playing in this tonight.
30:17But he also knows, with all his experience,
30:21that if you keep on persisting, sometimes the fates will favour you.
30:26He's going to need a favour from somewhere.
30:29But he knew better than staying on the ropes a couple of moments ago.
30:32He's back into the centre of the ring.
30:34Almost defiantly saying to Ball,
30:37how many times can you raise the ante?
30:41How many times can you keep on producing the big shots?
30:45Like we've said, Paul, the only chance he's got for me
30:48is if Nick Ball just slows down, runs out of gas,
30:50or he actually catches him with a knockout shot.
30:52Remember, he's got decent power.
30:5417 knockouts in the 34 victories that he's got.
30:57So he has decent power, Ronnie Rios.
31:00But like I've said, at this stage,
31:03there doesn't seem to be any sign that Nick Ball is going to slow down.
31:07No, he's been beaten out of the gate in so many ways, Rios.
31:11But he still believes, if it's his night,
31:14he can get lucky.
31:17And he's right to think like that.
31:20He turned Ball for a moment.
31:33Rios and the art of survival.
31:35There's a book in it somewhere.
31:37He's been brilliant in that respect tonight.
31:41When you're on the inside,
31:43you obviously don't let him get up with those shots.
31:46It's the moment now to bring in Anthony Crollett.
31:49Anthony, how are you seeing it?
31:52No, it's been a very dominant display from Nick Ball so far.
31:56I mean, listen, Ronnie Rios has definitely been having success.
31:59He's whipped in some lovely left hooks to the body and his straight shots.
32:02And obviously the uppercut, which I think caused the damage to Nick Ball's nose.
32:06But I think Richie said it a few times.
32:09I think that Rios is in danger more when he lets his hands go.
32:12But he's got to do that to try and win the fight now.
32:15I think the catch and counter from Nick Ball plays a big part.
32:18And if he can imbibe that a little bit now,
32:21and then pick his shots after he stuns Rios, which he keeps doing,
32:24I think he can get the finish.
32:30Thank you, Anthony Crollett.
32:32Four rounds to go.
32:34It's still a finish line just over the hill,
32:37as far as Ronnie Rios is concerned tonight.
32:40But he's got that in mind quite clearly.
32:43And if he's on his feet still in the 12th round,
32:45he reckons probably I can do something extraordinary
32:48and stun this arena here in Liverpool.
32:52But the plus, even if it were stopped now, Richie,
32:55is that Rios can come away from this.
32:57And if he chooses, nobody can argue that he's over the hill
33:00because he has produced in his own terms a very, very good performance
33:04against a young champion right on top of his game.
33:07Absolutely, he's not over the hill.
33:09He's really responded well, hasn't he, in this contest.
33:14He's been under the cosh in a lot of these rounds,
33:18but he's come through fair play.
33:20He's really shown a true champion spirit, if you like.
33:24And remember, this is his third shot at a world title.
33:27Is it third time lucky? It doesn't appear to be
33:29because Nick Ball's well winning it, but he's still there.
33:32He's still trading and he's still believing.
33:34So it's a funny game, Paul, boxing.
33:38You know Nick Ball's in command here, but there's still a few rounds left.
33:42And I think Ronnie Rios still believes he can win this contest,
33:45and so he's still dangerous.
33:48I know Paul Stevenson is one of the most quietly spoken men in boxing
33:52and a very measured and considered developer of young boxers,
33:57but a lot of his game is built around aggression.
34:00He wants his fighters to be exciting, which they are.
34:03He wants them to be aggressive, which they are.
34:06He wants them to dominate, which they do.
34:08But does there come a point, Richie, when you are a world champion at home
34:13where you say to yourself, or the corner says,
34:16listen, let's just make sure we win it?
34:18Yeah, very true, yeah.
34:22That would be the sensible approach, wouldn't it?
34:24But he's just slowed down a little bit here, has Nick Ball.
34:27As I say that, he puts in a three or four punch combination.
34:30But Ronnie Rios has had a better round here.
34:33He's worked very well with his jab. There it is there, look.
34:36And Nick Ball, there's no more head movement,
34:39so he's just slowed down naturally.
34:42And as I say that, Paul, then look at this attack now from him.
34:45The thing is from Rios' point of view, though, Richie,
34:48for me, ring rust was so apparent early on.
34:52And why not? He's been out of this level for so long.
34:55But as the rounds have gone along, muscle memory comes into it.
35:01He's been through this before.
35:03He's getting his own rhythm little by little.
35:06It surely won't be enough,
35:08but it's enough to keep the fight captivating.
35:11Yeah, it is, yeah, 100%.
35:18The uppercut finds the ball.
35:19Oh, super.
35:21Super uppercut that was from Ball.
35:23But Rios knows how to just recompose himself, set the feet.
35:26He's waiting to hear the bell now.
35:28He won't do anything at the end of this round.
35:30That's it.
35:31He's got every trick in the book.
35:33And Ball's going to learn a lot from all that, Richie, isn't he, tonight?
35:36Absolutely, Paul.
35:38Tough round that was and a better round, I thought, for Rios.
35:47Now concentration is the key for us now, Nick.
35:51At the start of that round, we're standing up in the wrong range.
35:53Getting jabs in, right hands going at us, you know what I mean?
35:56Take a little step away if you want, or a step in.
35:58But that's not where we want to be.
36:00When you're getting close, you haven't rolled your own way,
36:03but the quick bursts, you know what I mean, in and out.
36:05Them quick bursts in and out are what we want.
36:07Try not to stand off at the wrong range,
36:09but you're having success with the jab.
36:11You probably haven't lost the round.
36:13That round was closer because the first part was quite tight,
36:16you know what I mean, with the jab.
36:18Take a step away.
36:22Keep your concentration.
36:24Don't mess about with your shots.
36:30You're doing a great job, said Stevenson,
36:32but Richie, have we also heard Paul Stevenson say to Nicky Ball,
36:36let's just make sure we win it?
36:38Yeah, absolutely. And also concentrate,
36:41which is very, very important.
36:43Just keep concentrating all the time.
36:45This is a World Championship level, Paul.
36:47Against a tough guy like this, you've got to concentrate.
36:50He's still in there.
36:52So sensible coaching there from Paul Stevenson.
36:58Rios beaten by Ray Vargas on points.
37:01Vargas, the man, of course, that Nicky Ball faced.
37:05First time round in Riyadh.
37:10Many believed he'd done enough in that fight.
37:13He had him down twice, didn't he?
37:16Didn't get the decision.
37:18But that's the level Rios has performed at.
37:22A close victory when he did claim the title
37:26against a really talented opponent,
37:29second time round.
37:33It wasn't a very big margin of victory at all
37:37against Ray Ford,
37:39so Ball does know how to get over the line.
37:42And I think he needs to show that now.
37:44Not to walk into a trap, Richie.
37:46No, not at all.
37:48Again, I think Nick Ball,
37:50he's such a deceiving boxer, Nick Ball,
37:52because you think he's an out-and-out,
37:54short-to-mid-range power puncher.
37:56But at times, he leads with a superb jab, you know,
38:00and he moves them feet in.
38:01It's a very correct way of boxing.
38:03There it is there.
38:04Look, not too far away with that one.
38:05You see, it's perfect boxing, that is.
38:07He's boxing at long range with the jab
38:09to set up the power shots that follow.
38:12Excellent.
38:13And here comes the next salvo.
38:14The whole crowd rises with Nicky Ball
38:18pouring on the pressure.
38:20Rios is out of the ring.
38:23Will Bob Williams giving Natalya to get back in.
38:26He crawls under the bottom rope.
38:27I don't know if I've ever seen that before.
38:29His will to keep going is beyond words.
38:33And Natalya's coming.
38:34Yeah, Natalya's in.
38:35Natalya's in.
38:36It's all over.
38:37Nicky Ball has retained his world title here in Liverpool.
38:40He dazzled.
38:41He was devastating.
38:43But Rios refused to go away.
38:46And in the end, Ronnie Rios is saved by his own corner.
38:51Incredible, Paul.
38:52You said it.
38:53Talk about going out on your shield.
38:54That's exactly what Ronnie Rios has done there.
38:57Nick Ball put together there some cracking shots
39:02towards the end of that round.
39:04The end of the contest, rather.
39:05Setting up behind the jab.
39:07Getting his opponents into the corner.
39:09And then letting those big shots go.
39:11Threes and fours that went in.
39:13Actually, Ronnie Rios out of the ring.
39:15We've rarely seen that before.
39:17And the referee just diving in.
39:18Just literally trying to save him.
39:20It was an incredible finish for Nick Ball.
39:22But very, very impressive.
39:24What a tough fight that was.
39:25And what a tough man Ronnie Rios was.
39:28Tremendous stuff.
39:30It's only the start of a great story dish for Nicky Ball.
39:34But when it's all said and done,
39:35we will always remember what we've seen tonight.
39:38And people will come up to him and say,
39:41that was a proper world title fight.
39:45A great defense by a Liverpool boxer in Liverpool.
39:49And that's worth more than money.
39:52Yeah, absolutely, Paul.
39:53Well said.
39:54Family and friends in the ring with Nick Ball there.
39:56Congratulations.
39:57Well, what a tremendous contest that was.
39:59Time and again, Nick Ball looked like he was only one or two
40:03punches away from victory.
40:04But Ronnie Rios come through the storm every time.
40:08But it was a storm, probably too many towards the end there.
40:12What a performance that was from Nick Ball.
40:14Power punching, good with his jab,
40:17lead left uppercuts went in.
40:19He had everything in that contest.
40:21And Paul Stimson there just congratulating him.
40:23He's got to be proud of that.
40:25Paul Stimson there just congratulating him.
40:27He's probably the calmest man in here, Paul Stimson.
40:29Good coaching from the corner, I thought.
40:31Yeah, that was an all-round terrific performance from the whole camp.
40:36It's been a brilliant night.
40:37Paul Stimson, I don't think he sleeps anymore.
40:40He's got all these top-level fighters.
40:43Got youngsters coming through, one or two on the card tonight.
40:46Can I point out they've got an amateur show next weekend as well.
40:50Well, amateur boxing in Liverpool is so strong.
40:53Very well-schooled boxers here, brilliant.
40:56But what a display it was.
40:58Obviously, the crowd here are hyped out of this world
41:02to see this from their fighter.
41:04But the respect for Ronnie Rios is very, very important as well.
41:10Let's have a look at it here, Paul.
41:12So there it is, setting up behind the jab.
41:14Look at these jabs going in from Nick Ball.
41:16Then that right hand comes through.
41:18But Ronnie Rios is in trouble now because there's another jab that comes through.
41:21Then there's that lead.
41:23Left uppercut followed with the right hand.
41:25So he's all set up behind the jab.
41:27There he is there.
41:28Lead left uppercut comes in.
41:30Right hand comes in.
41:31What a combination that was.
41:33But Rios, he rode that little storm.
41:36But in the corner here then, he really put them together.
41:38He sensed victory, put threes and fours together.
41:41Nick Ball going for it.
41:43Out the ring he goes.
41:44But what a brave man Ronnie Rios was.
41:48Just took a little bit too many.
41:50But Nick Ball just keeps the attack going.
41:52Sustained pressure.
41:54Down he goes.
41:55Out of the ring he goes.
41:56A tremendous performance from both boxers I thought.
41:59All credit to Ronnie Rios also.
42:03He takes so much from this.
42:05It's a city with a big heart.
42:07Even when Rios and his camp return to Liverpool.
42:10I'm sure Liverpool will open their arms and give Rios a warm embrace.
42:16He's earned it tonight.
42:20That was the moment that the towel came in.
42:24Tremendous was Nick Ball.
42:26We're just looking at it again here.
42:28Two, three, four shots going in.
42:30All hitting the target.
42:32And Rios then just falls out of the ring.
42:34But it was a great display there from Nick Ball.
42:37Finishing again from him.
42:39Tremendous.
42:40Finding the space, the time and the accuracy with those power shots.
42:44That's what it's all about.
42:45And Nick Ball again displayed that superbly well.
42:50I think it's stating the obvious, Richie,
42:52to say that the towel was also bloodstained when it came in.
42:55Yeah, incredible.
42:56You don't see many American corners though, the towel in full.
42:58No, you don't.
42:59You really don't.
43:00But yeah, they had to, didn't they?
43:02Tremendous from both boxers.
43:04Rios has actually left the ring, understandably.
43:06So the stage belongs to Nicky Ball and only to Nicky Ball.
43:10And Thomas Treiber will now lead the crowd in saluting the reigning WBA World Featherweight Champion.
43:21Ladies and gentlemen, here is the official time.
43:25Two minutes, six seconds of round number 10.
43:28The red corner retires their fighter and referee Bob Williams accepts their retirement.
43:35Therefore, your winner by way of technical knockout,
43:41still undefeated and still WBA Featherweight Champion of the World,
43:51Nick The Rookie Ball!
44:01There was a touch of the Anfield about that roar at the end of it.
44:04That's one of his long-term ambitions.
44:06He grew up as a youngster watching Liverpool FC on the Kop,
44:10idolising Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard.
44:13He said he was a bit too lively and a bit too aggressive to make it as a footballer.
44:17We see the reasons why.
44:18But he's found his sport, he's found his trade, he's found his life through boxing.
44:22And he's repaying the city now for all the faith that so many people in Liverpool have had in him.
44:33The temperament's something else, Richie.
44:35You'd think he'd just been out for a little jog around the block,
44:37and then for three rounds in the Edmonton Red Triangle.
44:40He's probably the most exciting British boxer at the moment, Paul, in the country.
44:45Perfect homecoming there, first defence of his title.
44:50And he'll be looking obviously to unify the titles,
44:53to be an undisputed champion will probably be his dream.
44:56And yes, to box at Anfield, I think that's what he really wants to do.
44:59That is a dream of his.