In a thrilling and unexpected turn of events at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, Nick Ball's tenure as the WBA featherweight world champion was abruptly halted. British fans watched in disbelief as Brandon Figueroa delivered a decisive blow in the 12th round, ending Ball's reign.

The bout, which was fiercely contested over 11 rounds, saw Ball exhibiting his usual aggressive style. Yet, Figueroa matched this with his own relentless attack. The fight seemed destined for a thrilling conclusion, but few anticipated the sudden end.

Just seconds into the final round, Figueroa landed a precise, straight left punch that sent Ball to the canvas. Though Ball, at 28, managed to rise before the count concluded, he appeared unsteady. A swift and sharp combination from Figueroa convinced the referee to call an end to the match.

The atmosphere turned tense as some fans expressed their discontent, throwing objects towards the ring. The scene became more chaotic following a brief altercation, as Ball's team reacted to Figueroa's exuberant celebration. Figueroa, however, apologized for any perceived disrespect, stating, "I'm sorry for the celebration, we were just excited." He also praised Ball, calling him a "great Liverpool champion" and expressing respect for him.

This defeat marked Ball's first professional loss after an impressive record of 24 wins and a draw. His ambitions for future unification matches have been derailed, and the outcome also interrupts a positive streak for British boxing, following recent successes by Dalton Smith and Josh Kelly.

Figueroa's Triumph Shocks the Liverpool Crowd

Dubbed the 'Heartbreaker,' 29-year-old Figueroa lived up to his nickname, much to the dismay of the local supporters. The Liverpool crowd, nearly filling the 7,500-seat arena, was vocal in its support for Ball. Despite the boos, Figueroa maintained his composure, acknowledging his supporters with gestures of affection.

Ball, who hails from Kirkby, received a hero's welcome. Liverpool has a rich history of producing world-class boxers, and Ball was continuing that legacy. The fight started at a brisk pace, with Ball unleashing 145 punches in the first three rounds. Despite conceding a significant height advantage to his opponent, Ball maintained his strategy of "punching up" against taller foes.

As the match progressed, the intensity didn't wane. Figueroa, appearing fresher, applied pressure as Ball's nose bled and his mouth reddened. Yet, in the eighth round, Ball rallied with a burst of energy that briefly shifted momentum. The contest remained close, suggesting it might be decided on the judges' scorecards.

But the final round's dramatic events changed everything. Ball was on the floor, counted up to nine before standing, but Figueroa seized the moment, landing a left-right-left combination that ended the fight. The aftermath saw tensions flare, including an incident involving Andrew Cain of Ball's team.

Despite the dramatic conclusion, the judges' scorecards revealed that Figueroa was leading on two of the three, solidifying his victory.

What's Next for Nick Ball?

Ball's journey from a Liverpool nightclub debut to a world champion has been remarkable. He was the sole reigning British male world champion who had successfully defended his title, but his defeat was a significant setback.

Ball's appealing fighting style had positioned him for potential high-profile matches, including a possible clash with Japan's Naoya Inoue. However, the loss to Figueroa now requires Ball to reassess his strategy and future plans.

His response to this defeat, both mentally and physically, will be crucial for his career. The path forward may involve challenges, as other titleholders like Bruce Carrington, Angelo Leo, and Rafael Espinoza might hesitate to face a non-title holder.

A rematch with Figueroa could be an option, although the American's decisive victory might make him less inclined to accept. Ball's next steps will be pivotal in shaping his boxing legacy.