LIVERPOOL, England – Brandon Figueroa pulled off a stunning upset Saturday night at the Echo Arena, dethroning Nick Ball and claiming the WBA featherweight title with a dramatic 12th-round knockout. The victory marks the third world championship for the 29-year-old Figueroa, while delivering a heartbreaking defeat to the hometown favorite Ball in front of a capacity crowd of 7,500.
Figueroa, nicknamed “Heartbreaker,” lived up to his moniker in a fight that appeared to be tilting in Ball’s favor for much of the contest. The challenger absorbed a chorus of boos upon entering the ring, a testament to the fervent support for Ball, a native of Kirkby, a town near Liverpool. Liverpool has a rich boxing history, having produced champions like John Conteh and Natasha Jonas, and Ball was the latest hope to carry that tradition forward.
The fight began at a blistering pace, with both fighters demonstrating high work rates. Ball, despite conceding a significant height disadvantage – standing at 5ft 2in compared to Figueroa’s 5ft 9in – was the sharper and more consistent puncher in the early rounds. He landed a remarkable 145 punches across the opening three rounds, including sharp uppercuts that repeatedly found their mark. Figueroa responded with 204 punches of his own, attempting to impose his pressure and disrupt Ball’s rhythm.
As the fight progressed into the middle rounds, blood began to trickle from Ball’s nose, a visible sign of Figueroa’s relentless attack. Figueroa appeared to be the fresher of the two, consistently pressing forward and attempting to wear down the champion. However, Ball demonstrated resilience, responding with a blistering flurry in the eighth round, momentarily turning the tide and forcing Figueroa to absorb some punishing blows.
With the fight finely poised heading into the championship rounds, Ball’s corner urged him to seize the moment. “Championship rounds. This is your territory now,” they instructed, hoping to inspire a final push from their fighter. However, no one in the arena could have predicted the abrupt and dramatic ending that was about to unfold.
Just seconds into the 12th and final round, Figueroa landed a perfectly timed overhand left, sending Ball crashing to the canvas. The champion bravely rose to his feet at the count of nine, but was clearly hurt. Sensing the finish, Figueroa unleashed a relentless combination – a left-right-left sequence – that ultimately sent Ball tumbling through the ropes, prompting referee Steve Gray to wave off the fight.
The stoppage sparked a chaotic scene in the ring, as celebrations from Figueroa’s camp spilled over, leading to a brief melee involving members of both teams. Andrew Cain, a fighter who had won on the undercard, reportedly aimed a kick at one of Figueroa’s cornermen during the post-fight commotion, though tensions were quickly diffused.
Scorecards revealed that Figueroa was slightly ahead on two of the three judges’ cards at the time of the stoppage, suggesting that even without the knockout, he was on track to win a decision. The official judges’ scores were not immediately available.
Figueroa’s victory is a testament to his resilience and determination. Fighting outside of the United States for the first time, he overcame a hostile crowd and a determined opponent to claim his third world title. His trainer, Manny Robles, played a crucial role in the victory, providing strategic guidance throughout the fight, particularly in the later rounds. Robles, known for his work with Andy Ruiz Jr., instructed Figueroa to relentlessly attack the body in the closing stages, a tactic that ultimately proved decisive.
For Ball, the defeat is a devastating blow. He had enjoyed a meteoric rise in the featherweight division, and was widely expected to defend his title successfully on home soil. The loss not only ends his reign as WBA featherweight champion but also casts doubt on his future prospects in the division. The fight was a compelling display of skill and determination from both fighters, but ultimately it was Figueroa’s power and relentless pressure that proved to be the difference.
The aftermath of the fight will undoubtedly be scrutinized, particularly the post-fight melee. However, the focus will ultimately remain on Figueroa’s remarkable victory and his emergence as the new WBA featherweight champion. The boxing world now awaits his next challenge, as he looks to cement his position as one of the top fighters in the division.
