Brandon Figueroa Wins WBA Featherweight Title with Dramatic Knockout of Nick Ball
Brandon Figueroa captured the WBA world featherweight title with a thrilling 12th-round TKO victory over nick Ball on Saturday at the Echo Arena in Liverpool, England. The win marks a comeback for Figueroa, who lost a world featherweight title a year prior.
Known as “the Heartbreaker,” Figueroa silenced the home crowd, overcoming a close fight to deliver a decisive blow in the final round. A powerful left hook sent Ball to the canvas, and a subsequent flurry of punches forced referee Steve Gray to stop the contest 32 seconds into the round, with Ball partially falling through the ropes.
The fight saw Ball, defending his title for the fourth time, initially utilizing his reach and landing effective uppercuts in the early rounds. However, Figueroa adjusted, increasing his body work and pressure as the fight progressed. Despite a close middle portion of the bout, Figueroa’s relentless attack ultimately overwhelmed Ball.
With this victory, figueroa (27-2-1, 20 KOs) positions himself for potential unification bouts against other world champions in the featherweight division, including Rafael espinoza (WBO), Bruce Carrington (WBC), and Angelo Leo (IBF). Ball’s record now stands at 23-1-1, 13 KOs.