Rey Vargas Returns to 126-lbs to Defend Title Against Nick Ball

Rey Vargas (36-1, 22 KOs) returns to the featherweight division to defend his world title against Nick Ball (19-0, 11 KOs).

The two fighters clash for Vargas’ WBC belt at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This bout will be part of “Knockout Chaos,” a March 8 card that is part of Riyadh Season, a state-funded entertainment and sports festival. Fight fans can catch the action live on DAZN PPV around the world as well as Sky Sports PPV in the UK.

Vargas has been a featherweight champion ever since he beat Mark Magsayo via split decision in July 2022. After that win, he moved up to 130-lbs in a bid to become a three-division titlist. Vargas wound up losing to current titleholder O’Shaquie Foster via unanimous decision last year. The Mexican now moves back down to featherweight to defend the belt he never lost against Liverpool’s Ball. Both delivered statements at a press conference on Wednesday.

Rey Vargas and Nick Ball clash for featherweight gold

Vargas

“This fight I take it pretty seriously,” said Vargas through an interpreter. “This is a mandatory fight and I am ready to defend my title, I’m ready to talk with my fists, not with words.”

“I understand that every promoter is happy to see his fighter inside the ring, but definitely there’s are only two people in the ring. It’s going to be him, myself. I am ready to fight. We can fight today, tomorrow or any time possible – I am ready to fight.”

“I am a true champion. My record speaks by itself. I am a two-time world champion. This coming Friday there won’t be no exception for me. I am going to prove myself as I have been proving it through all my career. This coming Friday you will see a Rey Vargas as always you have seen him. A true fighter, giving everything in the ring. The last fight you are talking about, you know it wasn’t in my division. I try something new in my life. I wanted to go after a challenge and that’s what I do: take challenges. That proves myself that I’m ready to fight anyone.”

Ball

“It is massive, innit, and you only have to look around to see what’s happening and I am made up to be here,” said Ball. “I’ve got my opportunity and I am going to take it with both hands.

“I respect all fighters who get in the ring and he [Vargas] is a world champion so he is No.1, for now. Come Friday night, that is going to change.”

“[It is] always the goal to remain focused and that is what I am doing now, taking each day as it comes and enjoying this experience. Just staying focused and ready to get the job done.”

“No-one knows what’s going to happen until you get in the ring…I am definitely coming in explosive, so we will soon find out.”

“It [winning the title] will mean everything to me because this is a life-changing fight for me. That’s everything for me.”

Big Fight Weekend prediction

Vargas will have a significant height advantage Ball. Additionally, he is the more experienced fighter in the professional ranks and has fought better quality opponents than the Liverpudlian. However, Vargas has only had four fights in the last five years. On the other hand, Ball has fought 11 times during that period. Despite this, the reigning champion’s size and experience should be too much for the challenger. Expect a unanimous decision win for Vargas.

Full press conference

For the full press conference featuring Vargas, Ball and other fighters part of “Knockout Chaos,” click here or the video below. Video courtesy of DAZN Boxing.