Nick Ball Retains WBA Featherweight Title After Stopping TJ Doheny In The 10th Round

Nick Ball successfully defended his WBA featherweight world championship after forcing TJ Doheny out of their highly anticipated title fight at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool. The contest, which ended in the 10th round, saw Ball put on a relentless display of aggression and power, eventually proving too much for the Irish challenger to handle.

The bout had its fair share of drama, particularly in the opening round, which ended in bizarre fashion when Doheny grabbed Ball in a headlock. Frustrated by the clinch, Ball responded by kicking Doheny in the leg, causing the challenger to tumble over. The unusual exchange set the tone for an intense battle that followed.

Chaotic Start as Ball Kicks Doheny to the Canvas

From the outset, both fighters were eager to establish dominance, but it was Ball who asserted his authority early. The first round took an unexpected turn when Doheny, in an attempt to nullify Ball’s aggressive pressure, grabbed him in a tight headlock. In response, Ball, seemingly frustrated, kicked his opponent’s leg, causing him to fall to the canvas. The referee quickly stepped in to defuse the situation, cautioning both fighters before resuming the action. Despite the strange start, Ball remained composed and continued with his signature high-pressure style, throwing powerful combinations and keeping Doheny on the back foot. The champion’s relentless pursuit of his opponent became the defining theme of the fight, as he systematically broke down Doheny with precision and power.

Ball’s Relentless Pressure Wears Down Doheny

As the rounds progressed, Ball's superior fitness and relentless aggression began to take its toll on Doheny. The Irish challenger, who previously held the IBF super-bantamweight world title, showed heart and resilience but struggled to match Ball’s speed and intensity. The Liverpudlian champion worked the body effectively, mixing his attacks with sharp hooks and uppercuts that continually tested Doheny’s durability. By the mid-rounds, Ball had built significant momentum, landing clean shots and forcing Doheny to fight off the back foot. The challenger had moments of success, particularly when he managed to land counterpunches, but Ball's constant pressure left little room for him to mount a meaningful offensive strategy.

Doheny Retires in the 10th as Ball Proves Too Strong

By the 10th round, Ball’s dominance had become overwhelming. Doheny’s corner, recognizing that their fighter had absorbed significant punishment and was struggling to respond effectively, decided to call a halt to the contest, giving Ball the stoppage victory.With this win, Ball not only retained his WBA featherweight world title but also made a strong statement about his position in the division. The victory extends his unbeaten record and solidifies his reputation as one of the most exciting and dangerous fighters in the featherweight division.

Speaking after the fight, Ball expressed his satisfaction with the win, while also acknowledging Doheny’s toughness. “It was a great fight, and I knew TJ was going to be a tough opponent. He’s a former world champion, so I had to stay focused and keep the pressure on. I’m happy with the performance, and now it’s time to look ahead to bigger challenges. ”With his latest victory, Ball moves closer to potential unification bouts or high-profile fights against other top contenders in the division. Fans will now eagerly anticipate what’s next for the hard-hitting Liverpudlian, who continues to make waves in the featherweight scene.