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Figueroa Reclaims Featherweight Glory with Dramatic 12th-Round Stoppage of Ball
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A year after relinquishing a world featherweight title, Brandon Figueroa has once again ascended to the pinnacle of the sport, securing a dramatic victory over Nick Ball on saturday to claim the WBA world featherweight title.
Brandon Figueroa, known as “The Heartbreaker,” silenced a fervent home crowd at the Echo Arena in Liverpool, england, with a stunning 12th-round technical knockout of Nick Ball. The Mexican-American fighter demonstrated resilience and power, ultimately overcoming a challenging contest to seize the championship.
A Fight That Boiled Over in the Final Round
The bout was a closely contested affair for the majority of its duration, with both fighters exhibiting skill and determination.Though, the fight reached its climax early in the final round. Figueroa (27-2-1, 20 KOs) unleashed a sweeping left hook that sent Ball (23-1-1, 13 KOs) crashing to the canvas. continuing his relentless pressure, Figueroa secured the TKO victory just 32 seconds into Round 12, with Ball left vulnerable and hanging through the ropes after a barrage of punches.
“I felt like I was dominating,” Figueroa told DAZN after the fight. “I caught him with a short left hook and then went out there and finished it.” He also acknowledged the challenges of planning, stating, “I have been away from my family for three months. I came out here 10 days before the fight, and our game plan worked and shoutout to my trainer Manny Robles.” Figueroa’s ambitions extend beyond this victory, as he expressed a desire to “fight in front of my own fans, and I want to unify.”
Path to Unification Fights Opens for Figueroa
This triumph positions the 29-year-old figueroa for potential world title unification bouts against current champions Rafael Espinoza (WBO), Bruce Carrington (WBC), and Angelo Leo (IBF). The boxing world now eagerly anticipates the possibility of witnessing Figueroa attempt to consolidate his claim as the division’s top fighter.
Ball, who had been enjoying a prosperous run since winning the WBA belt with a split decision over Raymond Ford in June 2024, found himself largely on the defensive throughout Saturday’s contest. Despite a strong start, he struggled to maintain momentum against Figueroa’s persistent attacks.
Figueroa’s Journey Back to the Top
This victory is particularly meaningful for Figueroa, who previously held the WBC world featherweight title before losing it to Stephen Fulton on points in a rematch. He also suffered a defeat to Fulton in a world title unification clash at junior featherweight in 2021. This latest win represents a powerful resurgence for the Weslaco,Texas native.
Despite being significantly shorter than ball – standing at 5-foot-2 compared to Ball’s 5-foot-9 – figueroa effectively utilized his skills to dictate the fight’s tempo. Ball initially showcased his abilities, landing impactful right uppercuts in the opening rounds and maintaining a busy attack. However, Figueroa gradually gained control, particularly with his body shots in the third and fourth rounds.
The middle rounds saw a shift in momentum, with Ball capitalizing on figueroa’s occasional dips in output, landing precise shots and utilizing a reliable jab. Figueroa strategically engaged in close-range combat, a tactic that Ball initially welcomed. However, Figueroa increased his punch volume in the ninth, though he absorbed some counter punches in the tenth.
Sensing the need for a decisive finish, Ball came out aggressively in the final round, but Figueroa’s devastating left hook proved to be the turning point. The subsequent flurry of punches forced the referee, Steve Gray, to halt the contest, securing Figueroa’s hard-fought victory.
Key Takeaways – Brandon Figueroa defeated Nick Ball by TKO in the 12th round to win the WBA world featherweight title.
Figueroa’s Record – 27-2-1, with 20 KOs.
Ball’s Record – 23-1-1, with 13 KOs.
Fight Location – Echo Arena, Liverpool, England.
Figueroa’s Future – Aims for unification fights against Rafael Espinoza (WBO), Bruce Carrington (WBC), and Angelo Leo (IBF).
Ball’s Previous Success – Won the WBA belt with a split decision over Raymond Ford in June 2024.
Figueroa’s Height – 5-foot-2.
Ball’s Height
