Ball vs Rios: Big Fight Predictions from Anthony Crolla, Natasha Jonas and More

Former lightweight world champion Anthony Crolla: “I think Ball has a strong claim to be the best active fighter in Britain at the moment. His draw against Rey Vargas should have been a win and he defeated a world class fighter in Raymond Ford.

“The ball is rolling and has been promoted in an excellent way. I see him being a bit too strong for Rios and I think he will get to him between rounds seven and nine.

Heavyweight Frazer Clarke: “I don’t know much about Rios, but I’m rooting for the exciting Nick Ball. With the crest of the wave he’s on, I’m a huge fan of his.”

World Welterweight Champion Natasha Jonas: “I think Ball wins. You try to downplay the fact that it’s just another fight, but the reality is you’re in your hometown as a champion. All your friends and family are going to be there and you want to perform in front of them. As much as you Don’t want to put pressure on yourself, there is pressure.

“But as long as he does what Nick Ball does, he will have no trouble securing a big win and homecoming. I don’t think Frank Warren would put him in a tough situation where he could get overthrown.”

Former Light Middleweight Champion Hannah Rankin: “On paper, this is a tough homecoming for Ball. Rios has a very good record and a 50% knockout rate. However, he has only had one fight in the last two and a half years so hasn’t been very active , unlike Ball who is about to have his third fight this year and is flying high on momentum.

“So I’ll go with Ball based on points or a late stoppage. I think he’ll have a tough task early on, but his youth and recent activity will allow him to come on strong in the second half of the struggle to dominate.”