.png)
A Controversial Start to the Bout
Nick Ball successfully defended his WBA featherweight title in a compelling bout against veteran TJ Doheny at Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena. The fight ended with Doheny's corner wisely stepping in to call a halt after the tenth round, recognizing the mounting damage their fighter had endured.
The contest started with an unexpected twist. In the final moments of round one, Ball appeared to kick Doheny in a brief moment of madness, but the referee let it slide. Despite this early distraction, Ball quickly took control of the fight, relentlessly pushing forward with his pressure, particularly focusing on punishing the body of his opponent.
Nick Ball's Relentless Pressure
As the rounds went on, Ball continued to dominate, landing crisp shots to Doheny’s midsection. However, the champion’s aggression did bring some moments of frustration. In round six, referee Michael Alexander warned Ball of a potential point deduction after some questionable actions, but it was clear that the 26-year-old was firmly in control of the contest.
Doheny's Struggles to Keep Up
By the eighth round, Doheny, who had already been taking punishment throughout, began to show visible signs of wear and tear. His right eye was swelling, a clear indicator of the toll Ball's power punches had taken. The Irishman’s defensive attempts began to falter as his movement slowed, a signal that his ability to withstand the pressure was diminishing.
The Tenth Round and Corner's Compassionate Decision
The ninth round saw Ball's frustrations boil over once again, and this time, the referee followed through with the point deduction, further handicapping Doheny’s efforts. Doheny’s swelling jaw and almost completely shut eye were a testament to the relentless beating he had endured.
In round 10, Doheny’s corner made the compassionate, yet necessary, decision to stop the fight. Though the Irishman had shown tremendous grit and determination, the damage was too much to overcome.
Ball’s Unbeaten Record and Future Prospects
Nick Ball, now 22-0-1 with 13 knockouts, remains undefeated and a force in the featherweight division. As for TJ Doheny, this loss brings his record to 26-6 (20 KOs), and many are speculating whether it might be time for the veteran to consider retirement after a long and storied career.
Promoter Frank Warren hinted at a potential future fight for Ball, with the possibility of a showdown against the formidable Naoya Inoue later this year. Inoue, known for his explosive power and technical prowess, could present a significant challenge for the WBA champion, but for now, Ball’s focus remains on solidifying his place atop the featherweight ranks.
Earlier Results:
The undercard saw Andrew Cain emerge victorious in a tough 12-round split decision over Charlie Edwards. Jack Turner made a statement with a vicious second-round stoppage of Ryan Farrag, while Cuba’s Jadier Herrera scored a dominant seventh-round stoppage against the tough Jose Macias. Ionut Baluta pulled off an upset, defeating Brad Strand on points after 10 rounds. The night opened with a solid performance from Stephen Clarke, who earned a six-round points victory over Dmitri Protkunas.
Nick Ball’s continued reign as WBA featherweight champion is a testament to his power, pressure, and determination. His next steps will surely be watched with great anticipation, as the featherweight division remains filled with exciting matchups on the horizon.