Nick Ball will headline a hometown show against American boxing veteran Ronny Rios this Saturday, making the first defense of his WBA world featherweight title.
‘The Wrecking’ Ball was awarded his latest prize after edging a fiercely-contested split decision against skilful technician Raymond Ford in a compelling, back-and-forth spectacle.
And seemingly, his career-best victory could not have arrived at a better time, with the 27-year-old still licking his wounds following a controversial draw against Rey Vargas.
But now, the Brit returns to his fortress in Liverpool, England, where former world super bantamweight champion Stephen Fulton will be keeping a close eye on his performance.
Stephen Fulton made mandatory for Nick Ball’s WBA world featherweight title
Prior to his devastating eighth-round stoppage defeat to pound-for-pound star Naoya Inoue last year, Fulton was beginning to establish himself as the bona fide king at 122 lbs.
The American had bested the likes of Brandon Figueroa and current IBF featherweight champ Angelo Leo before stepping up to the most elite level in his sport.
In the end, the jump proved to be a step too far for Fulton, who now comes off a split decision win over seasoned 126 lb campaigner Carlos Castro.
And despite getting floored in round five of the contest, the 30-year-old had done enough to prove that, after taking more than a year away from boxing, he is still one of the top dogs in his weight class.
In fact, Fulton is already ranked at number one in the world on BoxRec, and looks to become a two-division world champion in his next outing.
In the WBA’s updated ratings, the southpaw slickster has been named as the mandatory challenger for Ball’s belt.
And while he has become a household name in the US, Fulton has expressed a willingness to take on the unbeaten champion in his backyard.
Christian Mbilli to face Canelo Alvarez
Elsewhere in the WBA’s latest ratings, unbeaten Frenchman Christian Mbilli has become the number-one contender for Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez’s crown at super middleweight.
The 29-year-old comes off a unanimous decision victory over 168 lb veteran Sergiy Derevyanchenko, outworking the tough Ukrainian to announce himself on the world scene.
However, while the fan-friendly volume puncher will no doubt be looking to dethrone the king of his division, Mbilli may be forced to wait alongside IBF mandatory challenger William Scull for a shot at Alvarez.