On October 5, Nick Ball will defend his WBA featherweight championship for the first time against Ronny Rios in Liverpool‘s M&S Arena.
Ball, 27, who hasn’t fought in Liverpool in over four years, makes his first-ever hometown return as a world champion.
The Briton is unbeaten in 21 fights and earned the WBA belt in June.
“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,” said Ball.
After losing heartily to WBC champion Rey Vargas in March via a contentious draw, Ball overcame Raymond Ford to oust him from the WBA belt.
Frank Warren, Ball’s promoter, believes his fighter is “unquestionably” the best featherweight in the world.
Alongside Rhiannon Dixon, Ball is the only undefeated 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.