Boxing: Nick Ball promises “action fight” against Ronny Rios at his home game in Liverpool

Frank Warren says Nick Ball could be the “most exciting fighter” on the planet as he prepares to defend his WBC featherweight title against Ronny Rios in Liverpool.

Ball will compete as world champion for the first time in his hometown and is the clear favorite against the American Rios.

Warren says Rios will have to be in top form to stand a chance against Ball.

“Nick is one of the most exciting, if not the most exciting, fighters in the world,” Warren said at a press conference.

“Bell keeps going and it's nonstop action. I don't know where he gets the energy from.”

“I find [his coach] have to feed him Duracell batteries because he keeps going.”

Ball, 27, won his world title in May with a points victory over Raymond Ford.

His world title came after a controversial draw with WBC champion Rey Vargas – a fight that many thought Ball would win.

The draw against Vargas is the only minor blemish on Ball's 21-fight record.

In his last seven wins, he has been responsible for five abandonments and is nicknamed “The Wrecking Ball.”

Ball promised his home fans a “special night” and an “action-packed” fight and said he believes he is the best featherweight in the world.

“This means everything to me,” he said of the fight in Liverpool, after his previous two fights took place in Saudi Arabia.

“This is where I grew up. This is where I started selling tickets for small shows in nightclubs and sports centers.

“All the people who have supported me from day one can come and watch. Without them, I wouldn't be where I am today.”

Rios (34-4) has fought for a world title twice, but both times at super bantamweight.

The 34-year-old challenger said he has not yet discovered a “weakness” in Ball, but he will have to “go out there and show a weakness” to win the fight.