BRANDON FIGUEROA is set to land a big reward for his stunning world title win against Nick Ball.
The American challenged for the WBA featherweight crown in Ball’s hometown of Liverpool in what turned out to be a hostile atmosphere.
Figueroa caught Ball with a menacing left hook as they traded at the start of the final roundCredit: Alamy
It’s never easy to go to a champion’s backyard and pull off the upsetCredit: Reuters
Turki Al-Sheikh has quickly become the chief fight maker in the sport of boxingCredit: Getty
But asaw Figueroa become a two-weight world champion.
Saudi Arabia‘s chief Turki Al-Sheikh quickly congratulated the 29-year-old and offered him a big opportunity.
He said: “A huge congratulations to Brandon Figueroa for showing his character by taking the risk and travelling to the champion’s backyard to capture the WBA featherweight championship with a great knockout in the final round.
“We want to see you defend your title for the first time on September 12 in Riyadh, when we stage Mexico vs. The World – featuring the return of Mexican superstar in the main event.
Nearly every big name boxer has performed in Saudi Arabia in recent years as that is where the biggest purses in the sport are.
Nobody would blame Figueroa if he too followed suit and competed on Al-Sheikh’s novel card.
Canelo has been out of action since his comprehensive loss to and there are question marks around what weight he will return at.
Some unsavoury scenes unfolded in Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena once the ref waved the fight off as Ball’s team felt Figueroa and his corner didn’t show respect or concern for Ball’s condition as wild celebrations ensued.
The Home of Boxing in 2026
There's a massive year of boxing ahead!
It’s shaping up to be a blockbuster year of action inside the boxing ring.
will make his return in April against Arslanbek Makhmudov, is closing in on a world title shot and Fabio Wardley will defend his newly won heavyweight crown.
Canelo Alvarez will be hoping to return after his defeat to Terence Crawford and heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk will also need to defend his straps.
Derek Chisora will fight for the 50th and (perhaps) final time against Deontay Wilder, while Daniel Dubois is also on the comeback trail.
A whole bunch of British stars could also take a leap into superstardom, with the likes of , Hamzah Sheeraz and Adam Azim ready to join the very top of the sport.
Here’s all the big fights coming up…
February
- Sat 7 – Nick Ball vs Brandon Figueroa – WBA featherweight title – DAZN
- Sat 21 – Ryan Garcia vs Mario Barrios – WBC welterweight title – DAZN PPV
- Sat 21 – Leigh Wood vs Josh Warrington – DAZN
- Sun 22 – Claressa Shields vs Franchon Crews-Dezurn – heavyweight unification – DAZN
- Sat 28 – Emanuel Navarrete vs Eduardo Nunez – super-featherweight unification – DAZN
March
- Sat 14 – Jazza Dickens vs Anthony Cacace – WBA super-featherweight title – DAZN
- Sat 28 – Moses Itauma vs Jermaine Franklin – DAZN
- Sat 28 – Sebastian Fundora vs Keith Thurman – Amazon Prime PPV
April
- Sat 4 – Derek Chisora vs Deontay Wilder – DAZN PPV
- Sat 11 – Tyson Fury vs Arslanbek Makhmudov – Netflix
in his post-fight interview and apologised for any offence caused.
Figueroa said: “I’m sorry [for the celebration], we didn’t mean anything, we were just excited. Sorry about that.
“Big shout out to Nick Ball, he is a great Liverpool champion and one of the best England have ever had. I have nothing but respect for him.”
Eze Chidiebere Paul
I'm dedicated to creating high-quality content that informs, inspires, and delights. If you have any questions or suggestions, don't hesitate to get in touch. Happy reading!
