Rey Vargas and Nick Ball both ready for Friday fight night
Champion Rey Vargas and challenger Nick Ball all set to clash for the WBC featherweight title
The last words were spoken at the final press conference ahead of Knockout Chaos on Friday evening, March 8, at the Kingdom Arena, Riyadh.
The main event sees two-time world champion Anthony Joshua take on former UFC king Francis Ngannou over 10-rounds at heavyweight.
In the co-main event, Nick Ball (19-0, 11KO) challenges formidable WBC featherweight ruler Rey Vargas (36-1, 22KO), as the Liverpool sensation aims to update his WBC Silver to gold, after blasting his way through the division, defeating world champions Ludumo Lamati and Isaac Dogboe, to earn the mandatary spot.
Vargas and Ball gave their final thoughts below:
Frank Warren
“We couldn’t wish for any more, we are in boxing heaven. Fabulous shows, fabulous undercards and it doesn’t get any better than this.
“What you can expect [from Nick Ball] is non-stop action. He has got a fantastic opportunity here and I can’t tell you how highly I think of him. Whatever he has had to do he has done in absolute style. We call him the Wrecking Ball and that is exactly what he is. I’m sure he will take this opportunity with both hands against I guy I think is the best featherweight in the division. I think we are going to get something special and I do think if anybody can pull this off, It’s Nick.”
Nick Ball
“It is massive and you only have to look around to see what’s happening and I am made up to be here. I’ve got my opportunity and I am going to take it with both hands. I respect all fighters and he 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. I am ready to get the job done. No-one knows what’s going to happen until you get in the ring and I am definitely coming in explosive, so we will soon find out. It will mean everything to me because this is a life-changing fight.”
Rey Vargas
“This fight I take pretty seriously, it is a mandatory fight and I am ready to defend my title and talk with my fists, not with words. I understand that every promoter is happy to see his fighter in the ring, but there are only two people in the ring.
“I am ready to fight. We can fight today, tomorrow or any time – I am ready to fight. I am a true champion and my record speaks for itself. On Friday I will prove myself as I have throughout my career. You will see Rey Vargas giving everything in the ring.”