Figueroa Stops Ball in 12th to Capture WBA Featherweight Title

Brandon Figueroa defeated Nick Ball in the 12th round to become the WBA featherweight world champion in Liverpool. The victory unfolded in front of home fans at M&S Bank Arena.

The fight featured 11 closely contested rounds. Ball demonstrated an aggressive inside fighting style, while Figueroa responded with a high volume of punches throughout the bout.

The Decisive Final Round

In the final round, Figueroa landed a straight left punch that resulted in Ball being knocked down. Although Ball rose before the referee's count concluded, he appeared unsteady. A subsequent combination of punches from Figueroa then led the referee to stop the fight.

Post-Fight Scene and Apology

Following the bout's conclusion, an altercation occurred near the ring, accompanied by thrown objects. Figueroa later issued an apology for his celebration, stating, "we were just excited. Sorry about that." He also expressed respect for his opponent, calling Nick Ball "a great Liverpool champion."

Career Milestones

This marks the first professional career defeat for Ball, who had an unbeaten record of 24 wins and one draw prior to this fight.

The outcome concludes Ball's fourth defense of his world title. For Figueroa, an American boxer, this win signifies his third world championship across different weight classes, achieved in his 30th professional bout.