In a jaw-dropping display of power and determination, Brandon Figueroa silenced the Liverpool crowd with a dramatic late stoppage victory over hometown hero Nick Ball, securing the WBA featherweight title in a fight that will be remembered for years to come. But here's where it gets controversial: was this a fair outcome, or did Figueroa's size advantage and relentless pressure overshadow Ball's technical prowess? Let’s dive into the details.
The M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool became the stage for a battle that defied expectations. Figueroa, now boasting a record of 27-2-1 with 20 knockouts, had made it clear earlier in the week that he wasn’t concerned about fighting in Ball’s backyard. In an interview with BoxingScene, he confidently stated, ‘I don’t plan to leave it to the judges’—a bold claim that proved prophetic. Despite the fight taking place in Ball’s home city, Figueroa was determined to end it decisively, and he did just that.
The fight itself was a rollercoaster. Figueroa, a southpaw, opened with a jabbing strategy, but Ball, the defending champion, refused to yield. The 29-year-old Ball countered with a left uppercut that momentarily staggered Figueroa, setting the tone for a fiercely competitive bout. Figueroa, undeterred, pressed forward, showcasing his trademark aggression. By the fourth round, he had established control, landing a left hand that snapped Ball’s head back. Yet, Ball’s resilience was undeniable—he rallied in the seventh, catching Figueroa with a right hand that momentarily slowed the challenger’s momentum.
And this is the part most people miss: despite Figueroa’s significant size advantage, he chose to fight Ball in close quarters, often forgoing his reach to engage in a brutal, toe-to-toe exchange. This strategy paid off, as Figueroa’s work rate and body shots began to take their toll. By the ninth round, Ball’s face showed the wear of the battle—blood trickled from his nose, and swelling had begun around his left eye. Figueroa, sensing the shift, intensified his attack, bullying Ball against the ropes.
The 12th and final round was nothing short of spectacular. Figueroa unleashed a left hook that crashed across Ball’s chin, sending the champion face-first to the canvas. The arena fell silent as Ball struggled to rise. Though he beat the count, referee Gray’s decision to allow the fight to continue sparked debate. Figueroa pounced, delivering a barrage of punches that forced Ball to tumble through the ropes. Gray finally waved it off, awarding Figueroa his third world title in two divisions.
But the drama didn’t end there. Figueroa’s team erupted in celebration, sparking a heated reaction from Ball’s corner and the Liverpool crowd. Drinks were hurled into the ring, and tempers flared before security restored order. Ball, now 23-1-1 with 13 knockouts, was cheered as he regained his feet, but the night belonged to Figueroa, who once again lived up to his ‘Heartbreaker’ nickname.
Here’s the controversial question: Did Figueroa’s size and aggression overshadow Ball’s technical skills, or was this simply a case of the better fighter prevailing? Ball’s ability to counter and land clean shots was impressive, but Figueroa’s relentless pressure and power proved decisive. Was this a fair reflection of their abilities, or did the fight’s brutal nature overshadow Ball’s strengths? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one debate that’s far from over.
