Wrecking Ball Nick Ball's Title Reckoning Ends in Brutal Fashion Against Brandon Figueroa
In front of his home crowd in Liverpool, featherweight champion Nick Ball suffered a devastating knockout defeat to challenger Brandon Figueroa on Saturday. The American's left-handed shot dropped the 29-year-old Brit to the canvas in the 12th round, prompting an immediate stoppage by the referee.
Figueroa had forced the pace from the start, with Ball trying to counterattack but ultimately unable to withstand the pressure. In a pivotal moment, Figueroa sent Ball crashing to the ropes after landing a strong left hand, which proved too much for the champion's defense to handle.
Ball regained his feet in time to avoid further damage, but it was too late. The referee waved off the bout, handing Figueroa a stunning 12th-round knockout victory that made him a three-time world champion.
The defeat marked Ball's first loss of his career, and he suffered at the hands of an opponent who had been well-prepared to take down the Wrecking Ball. With this win, Figueroa has cemented himself as one of the top contenders in the featherweight division.
Figueroa's next step is unclear, but rumors are already circulating that he could make his debut on the undercard of Canelo Alvarez's comeback fight later this year. The Saudi Arabia-based boxing event is expected to be a major platform for Figueroa, who could potentially take on the Mexican superstar in an eliminator bout.
As for Ball, the question remains as to whether he will attempt a rematch with Figueroa or reassess his career path. With a 24-fight undefeated record now behind him, Ball has some serious soul-searching to do.
In any case, one thing is certain: Brandon Figueroa has arrived on the boxing scene and is here to stay.
In front of his home crowd in Liverpool, featherweight champion Nick Ball suffered a devastating knockout defeat to challenger Brandon Figueroa on Saturday. The American's left-handed shot dropped the 29-year-old Brit to the canvas in the 12th round, prompting an immediate stoppage by the referee.
Figueroa had forced the pace from the start, with Ball trying to counterattack but ultimately unable to withstand the pressure. In a pivotal moment, Figueroa sent Ball crashing to the ropes after landing a strong left hand, which proved too much for the champion's defense to handle.
Ball regained his feet in time to avoid further damage, but it was too late. The referee waved off the bout, handing Figueroa a stunning 12th-round knockout victory that made him a three-time world champion.
The defeat marked Ball's first loss of his career, and he suffered at the hands of an opponent who had been well-prepared to take down the Wrecking Ball. With this win, Figueroa has cemented himself as one of the top contenders in the featherweight division.
Figueroa's next step is unclear, but rumors are already circulating that he could make his debut on the undercard of Canelo Alvarez's comeback fight later this year. The Saudi Arabia-based boxing event is expected to be a major platform for Figueroa, who could potentially take on the Mexican superstar in an eliminator bout.
As for Ball, the question remains as to whether he will attempt a rematch with Figueroa or reassess his career path. With a 24-fight undefeated record now behind him, Ball has some serious soul-searching to do.
In any case, one thing is certain: Brandon Figueroa has arrived on the boxing scene and is here to stay.
... I mean, who gets knocked out in the 12th round? That's just ridiculous. And now he thinks he can just come back from that and rematch Figueroa? Good luck with that 
. The guy's career is toast. He needs to reevaluate what he wants to do next. Maybe a nice retirement home for the washed up fighters 
. Figueroa on the other hand, seems like the real deal. I'm still salty about him taking down Ball though... that was just brutal 
. Can't wait to see if Canelo's gonna be his next target tho...
his left hand is crazy powerful 
i dont know what nick ball was thinking trying to take him on like that, it didnt end well for him 
now figueroa is in the mix, id love to see him fight canelo soon 
. Anyway, Brandon Figueroa seems like a real game-changer. I'm lovin' the fact he's takin' on Canelo in an eliminator bout! That'd be epic 
. But seriously, Ball's gotta regroup and figure out what's next for him. Maybe he can learn from this loss and come back stronger 
.
nick ball's career took a huge hit tonight 
i feel bad for the guy, but at the same time, bravo to figueroa! he was well-prepared and outboxed ball in every round 
and now he's gotta figure out what's next for him, maybe a rematch against figueroa or taking some time off to recharge 
three-time world champion now 
and he's got the skills to back it up 
he's like a force to be reckoned with in that featherweight division gotta keep an eye on him, def gonna be one of the contenders for a title shot soon 
also feel bad for nick ball, 29 and first loss ever, that's tough for any fighter to take 
. Can't wait to see what's next for him! 
but still gotta respect his 24-0 record before this loss 
hope he gets back on track and gets that rematch 
seems like he wasnt ready for the pressure figueroa put him through 
guess that's what happens when you come in as a challenger 
either way, we got our eyes on figueroa for his next big fight 