Quick Read
- Nick Ball lost his WBA featherweight title via 12th-round knockout to Brandon Figueroa on February 7, 2026, in Liverpool.
- Figueroa delivered a decisive left hook and follow-up combination, stopping the previously unbeaten Ball 32 seconds into the final round.
- The fight was closely contested, with scorecards showing Figueroa ahead on two cards before the stoppage.
- Ball is scheduled to fight Rey Vargas for the WBC featherweight title on March 8, 2026, in Riyadh.
- The upcoming Vargas fight provides Ball with a swift opportunity to contend for another world championship after his first professional defeat.
LIVERPOOL (Azat TV) – British featherweight boxing sensation Nick Ball suffered a stunning 12th-round knockout defeat to Brandon Figueroa on February 7, 2026, losing his WBA world title in a dramatic showdown at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool. This pivotal loss comes as Ball prepares for another significant world title opportunity, challenging Rey Vargas for the WBC featherweight championship on March 8, 2026, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, placing his resilience and immediate future in the boxing world under intense scrutiny.
The fight against Figueroa, a 29-year-old Texan known as “The Heartbreaker,” saw the previously unbeaten Ball (23-1-1, 13 KOs) dethroned in a contest that was finely poised until its abrupt conclusion. Ball, a local hero defending his title on home soil, had entered the bout riding a wave of 24 professional victories, but Figueroa’s relentless pressure and power ultimately proved decisive.
Ball’s Title Defense Against Figueroa Unravels in Final Round
From the opening bell, the WBA featherweight title fight was a high-paced, bruising affair. Nick Ball, known for his aggressive style, started strong, landing a left uppercut that momentarily buckled Figueroa in the first round. Despite a significant size advantage, Figueroa chose to engage at close quarters, trading heavy blows with Ball rather than utilizing his reach. By the fourth round, Figueroa’s consistent work rate began to tell, with Ball showing signs of damage including a broken nose and swelling around his left eye, as reported by BoxingScene.
The middle rounds showcased Ball’s renowned heart and grit. Despite being out-thrown by Figueroa, the Liverpudlian landed cleaner, more precise punches, keeping the contest razor-close. Heading into the championship rounds, the outcome remained uncertain. Two judges had Figueroa ahead (106-103), while one judge surprisingly scored it for Ball (107-102), a testament to the fight’s competitive nature. However, the decision would not be left to the scorecards.
Just 32 seconds into the 12th and final round, Figueroa delivered a clean left hook that sent Ball to the canvas. Though Ball bravely rose to his feet, Figueroa seized the moment, unleashing a left-right-left combination that sent the champion tumbling through the ropes. Referee Steve Gray stopped the fight, crowning Figueroa the new WBA featherweight king and marking Ball’s first professional defeat, as detailed by BBC Sport.
Aftermath and Calls for a Rematch
The immediate aftermath of the fight was charged with emotion. Stunned Liverpool fans voiced their displeasure, with some objects reportedly thrown towards the ring, and heated exchanges occurred between team members. Figueroa, despite the chaotic scenes, offered respect to Ball. “Big shoutout to Nick Ball, he is a great Liverpool champion and one of the best England have ever had. I have nothing but respect for him,” Figueroa stated, as quoted by The Ring Magazine.
Figueroa’s victory marked his third world title across two divisions, elevating his record to 27-2-1 (20 KOs). Ball, now 23-1-1 (13 KOs), saw his stock remain high despite the loss, with many praising his courageous performance against a larger, relentless opponent. Calls for a rematch quickly emerged from fans and pundits alike, acknowledging the competitive nature of the bout and Ball’s impressive display of heart.
Nick Ball’s Path to the WBC Title Shot
Despite the recent setback, Nick Ball’s career trajectory continues with a significant opportunity on the horizon. He is scheduled to face Rey Vargas for the WBC featherweight title on March 8, 2026, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This upcoming bout represents a rapid turnaround for Ball, offering him a chance to immediately contend for another major world championship just weeks after losing his WBA belt.
The quick return to a world title stage underscores Ball’s standing as one of the most exciting fighters in the featherweight division. His fan-friendly, aggressive style has made him a compelling draw, and this challenge against Vargas, a seasoned champion, will be a crucial test of his ability to rebound from a devastating defeat. The division currently features other notable titleholders, including Bruce Carrington (WBC), Angelo Leo (IBF), and Rafael Espinoza (WBO), indicating a competitive landscape where Ball remains a key player.
Nick Ball’s ability to quickly secure another world title shot against Rey Vargas highlights his perceived value and the respect he commands within the boxing community, despite his recent knockout loss to Brandon Figueroa. The upcoming fight will be a definitive test of his mental fortitude and strategic adaptability, demonstrating whether he can transform a career setback into a springboard for future championship success.