Nick Ball retains his WBA featherweight title with a dominant stoppage win over TJ Doheny but risks controversy after kicking his opponent in a fiery contest
Nick Ball continued his ascent in the featherweight division with a dominant stoppage victory over TJ Doheny, as the Irishman’s corner pulled him out before the 11th round at Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena.
Despite Ball’s superior power and relentless aggression, the fight was marred by controversy. In the first round, Ball kicked out at Doheny after being caught in a headlock, though he escaped without a penalty. Later, he was deducted a point in the ninth for repeatedly shoving Doheny to the canvas.
The 28-year-old champion, roared on by a partisan Liverpool crowd, pressed forward from the opening bell. While Doheny showed resilience early, the relentless pace and power took its toll. With his right eye swollen shut, the 38-year-old Irishman struggled to keep up and was overwhelmed by a flurry of hooks and uppercuts in the 10th, prompting his corner to wave the fight off.
Ball, now boasting a record of 22 wins and one draw, was not questioned about his controversial kick in his post-fight interview. Instead, he focused on his performance, stating, “Sometimes I can rush in. The main thing is taking my time, and it paid off.”
With his fourth world-title-level fight in a year, Ball remains one of Britain’s few reigning male world champions. But despite his undeniable talent, he is yet to become a household name.
A potential clash with Japan’s Naoya Inoue has been hinted at, as “The Monster” is expected to defend his super-bantamweight crown in May before moving up to featherweight. Promoter Frank Warren has also teased a stadium fight for Ball in Liverpool, possibly enticing Inoue to fight on UK soil.
For now, Ball’s victory solidifies his place among the featherweight elite—though his aggressive style and in-ring antics may continue to divide opinion.
