Figueroa KOs Ball in 12th to Win WBA Featherweight Title
In the heart of Liverpool's M&S Bank Arena on February 7, 2026, American boxer Brandon Figueroa etched his name into the annals of featherweight boxing history. With a precise and powerful left hand just seconds into the 12th round, Figueroa sent hometown favorite Nick Ball crashing to the canvas, securing a knockout victory and the vacant WBA featherweight championship. The fight, broadcast live on DAZN, was a testament to the grit and skill that define elite-level boxing, drawing a packed crowd that oscillated between fervent cheers and stunned silence.
The Build-Up: A Clash of Styles in the Featherweight Division
Brandon Figueroa, entering the ring with a record of 27-2-1 and 20 knockouts, was no stranger to high-stakes bouts. The 28-year-old from Weslaco, Texas, has long been a force in the lower weight classes, known for his aggressive pressure fighting and devastating punching power. Figueroa, who previously held titles in the super bantamweight division, moved up to featherweight seeking new challenges. His journey to this title fight included a string of impressive wins, but also a controversial draw against Joet Gonzalez in 2023 that left fans clamoring for redemption.
Opposing him was Nick Ball, the undefeated British prospect with a 23-1-1 record and 13 KOs, who carried the weight of a raucous Liverpool audience on his shoulders. Ball, a southpaw with slick footwork and sharp counterpunching, had been building momentum toward world title contention. Trained in the storied gyms of Merseyside, Ball represented the next wave of UK boxing talent, much like the heavyweights who have dominated the sport from these shores. The matchup promised fireworks: Figueroa's forward-marching style against Ball's evasive, technical approach.
Preliminaries set the tone for an evening of drama. In a WBC bantamweight eliminator, local hero Andrew Cain overcame two knockdowns in the eighth round to stop Alejandro Jair Gonzalez in the ninth. Cain's resilience earned him a future shot at champion Takuma Inoue, highlighting the depth of talent on the card. Yet, all eyes remained on the main event, where the WBA strap hung in the balance.
Fight Breakdown: A Grueling 12-Round War
Early Rounds: Feeling Each Other Out
The opening rounds were a chess match. Ball used his jab to keep Figueroa at bay, circling the ring with the precision of a matador. Figueroa, undeterred, pressed forward, landing body shots that tested Ball's conditioning. By the fourth round, both fighters had found their rhythm—Figueroa cutting off the ring, Ball slipping punches and firing back with hooks. Unofficial scorecards from ringside media, including Bad Left Hook, showed a razor-thin margin, with Ball edging the early exchanges on activity.
Mid-Fight Momentum Shifts
As the fight entered the championship rounds, fatigue began to show. Figueroa ramped up his volume, targeting Ball's midsection to sap his mobility. Ball responded with flurries, landing a notable left hook in the seventh that briefly staggered the American. Social media buzzed with divided opinions; some fans scored it for Ball's cleaner striking, while others praised Figueroa's relentless pressure. At the halfway mark, the bout was dead even, embodying the unpredictability that makes featherweight one of boxing's most exciting divisions.
The Dramatic Finish: Knockout in the 12th
Entering the final round, Figueroa trailed slightly on most cards—105-104 in favor of Ball according to some observers. But the Texan had other plans. Just 32 seconds in, Figueroa feinted right and unleashed a looping left over Ball's guard, catching the Briton flush on the jaw. Ball crumpled to the mat, rising unsteadily at the count of eight. Sensing vulnerability, Figueroa swarmed, landing a barrage that dropped Ball again. Referee Steve Gray waved it off at 0:32 of the 12th, awarding Figueroa the win by knockout.
Video highlights of the stoppage quickly went viral, showcasing Figueroa's timing and power. The DAZN commentary team noted that official judges had Figueroa "slightly ahead," validating the closeness of the contest. In a sport often criticized for controversial decisions, this finish provided a clear, unambiguous outcome.
Post-Fight Reactions and Implications
The Liverpool crowd, initially electric for their hero, greeted Figueroa's victory with boos during his in-ring celebration. The new champion, gracious in triumph, quickly apologized post-fight. "I meant no disrespect to the fans or Nick," Figueroa said in his interview. "He's a great champion, and I have nothing but respect for him. This is boxing—it's tough, but it's what we signed up for." Ball, sporting a swollen eye, was stoic in defeat, vowing a comeback. His first loss stings, but at 27, his career is far from over.
For Figueroa, the win catapults him into the elite tier of featherweight contenders. With the WBA belt around his waist, he now eyes unification bouts against champions like Ruben Garcia Hernandez (WBC) or the emerging threats in a stacked division. This victory also boosts his profile ahead of potential U.S. showdowns, perhaps even crossing paths with crossover stars like Shakur Stevenson.
The undercard's Cain-Gonzalez bout added intrigue, with Cain's stoppage drawing minor controversy over the referee's call. Gonzalez argued the halt, but Cain's heart earned widespread praise. As the 29-year-old prepares for a likely trip to Japan, it underscores the global nature of boxing today.
What This Means for Boxing's Future
Figueroa's triumph in hostile territory is a reminder of boxing's universal appeal. In an era dominated by heavyweights and influencers like Jake Paul, featherweight delivers raw, technical battles that captivate purists. Events like this in international venues bridge divides, fostering rivalries that span oceans.
As 2026 unfolds, expect Figueroa to defend his title aggressively. His knockout artistry—now 21 in his career—positions him as a must-watch fighter. For fans, this was more than a title change; it was a spectacle of resilience, skill, and the sweet science at its finest. Stay tuned to Everythiiing.com for more boxing updates, analysis, and exclusive interviews.
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