Vinny's Corner

The boxing world turns its eyes to Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena this week, for WBA featherweight champion Nick Balls latest title defense with American challenger Brandon Figueroa.

This mandatory defense promises non-stop action between two pressure fighters known for their relentless styles. Ball, the local hero, aims to extend his unbeaten run and solidify his reign, while Figueroa seeks to reclaim world championship glory in his second weight class. With both men boasting impressive knockout rates and a willingness to trade in the pocket, fans can expect a thrilling battle that could steal the show in an already packed weekend of fights.

Breaking Down the Fighters

Nick Ball, aptly nicknamed “The Wrecking Ball,” is a compact powerhouse who has risen rapidly through the ranks since turning pro in 2017. At 28 years old, the orthodox fighter stands at just 5’2″ with a 65-inch reach, but what he lacks in size, he more than makes up for in ferocity and volume. 15 His record stands at 23-0-1, with 13 knockouts (a 57% KO rate), showcasing his ability to overwhelm opponents with swarming attacks and body work. 19 Ball captured the WBA featherweight title in 2024 and is set for his fourth defense here, having previously faced tough tests against the likes of Raymond Ford and Ronny Rios.

Ball’s style is all about pressure: he closes distances quickly, throws in bunches, and thrives in chaotic exchanges. Despite his height disadvantage in many matchups, his underrated jab and ability to slip inside allow him to dictate the pace. Training out of Everton Red Triangle gym in his hometown, Ball benefits from massive local support, which could play a key role in this fight. His only blemish is a draw against Rey Vargas in a title challenge, but he’s since proven his championship mettle with dominant performances.

Brandon Figueroa, known as “The Heartbreaker,” brings a wealth of experience to the ring at 29 years old. Standing taller at 5’9″ with a 72.5-inch reach, the orthodox Texan holds a clear physical edge in this bout. His professional record is 26-2-1, with 19 knockouts (a 73% KO rate), highlighting his power and finishing ability. 21 Figueroa is a former two-weight world champion, having held the WBA Regular super bantamweight title (2019-2021), the WBC super bantamweight title (2021), and briefly the WBC featherweight title (2024-2025).

Figueroa’s approach is equally aggressive; he’s never been stopped as a pro and has only lost to elite competition, including a close decision to Stephen Fulton in a 2021 unification bout. He excels in phone-booth wars, often smothering opponents with long levers and switching stances to create awkward angles. Recent wins, like his knockout of Jessie Magdaleno in 2024, show he’s still at the top of his game. However, his tendency to fight inside could negate his height advantage against a shorter, busier fighter like Ball.

Fight Analysis

This matchup pits Ball’s tornado-like pressure against Figueroa’s durable, volume-punching style, setting the stage for a potential Fight of the Year candidate. Ball enters as the betting favorite (around 1/4 odds), largely due to his home advantage and recent form, but Figueroa (at 10/3) is no underdog pushover. The height and reach disparity—Figueroa towers over Ball by 7 inches in reach—could allow the challenger to control range early with jabs and hooks from distance. However, Figueroa’s habit of closing in for exchanges plays right into Ball’s strengths, where the champion’s faster hands and body attacks could wear him down.

Key factors include stamina and adaptability. Ball has fought deep into rounds against top opposition, averaging high punch output (around 662 total punches in recent analytics), while Figueroa lands heavily to the body (157 in sampled data). Expect frequent clashes, possible headbutts (as seen in Figueroa’s past fights), and a fast pace that tests both men’s chins. The Liverpool crowd will energize Ball, potentially swaying judges in close rounds, but Figueroa’s experience in hostile environments (like his Fulton loss) makes him resilient. Analysts predict the fight could go the distance, with over 9.5 rounds favored at 1/2 odds, given both fighters’ durability.

The Official Pick

Nick Ball to win by decision. While Figueroa has the tools for an upset, Ball’s relentless pressure and home support should carry him to a hard-fought points victory in a 12-round war. Expect scores around 116-112 for the champion.

Where to Watch

The fight airs live and exclusively on DAZN worldwide. Coverage begins at 2:00 pm ET (11:00 am PT) for U.S. viewers, with the main event ring walks expected around 5:00 pm ET.

By Vincent

Photo courtesy of Queensberry Promotions