Ball among world's most exciting fighters - Warren

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 fights in his hometown for the first time as world champion and is a big favourite against the USA's Rios.

Warren says Rios will have to be at his very best to have a chance against Ball.

"Nick is one of the, if not the most exciting fighter to watch in the world," Warren said at a news conference.

"Bell goes and it's non-stop action. I don't know where he gets the energy from.

"I think [his coach] must feed him Duracell batteries because he keeps going and going."

Ball, 27, won his world title via a split decision victory over Raymond Ford in May.

His world title triumph came after a controversial draw with WBC champion Rey Vargas – a fight many had Ball winning.

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

He has produced five stoppages in his past seven wins and is nicknamed 'The Wrecking Ball'.

Ball promised a "special night" and an "all-action" fight for his home fans and says he believes he is the best featherweight in the world.

"This means everything to me," he said of fighting in Liverpool, with his previous two fights being held in Saudi Arabia.

"This is where I grew up. This is where I started off, on small hall shows selling tickets in nightclubs and sport centres.

"All the people who have been supporting me since day one can come and watch. I wouldn't be where I am today without them."

Rios (34-4) has twice challenged for a world title, although both were at super-bantamweight.

The 34-year-old challenger said he was yet to spot a "weakness" in Ball but that he had "to go out there and make a weakness" to win the fight.