‘Shouldn’t have done it’… Nick Ball escaped disqualification loss in last outing to maintain unbeaten record and title

Nick Ball avoided disqualification against TJ Doheny in March

In March 2025, a 21-0-1 Ball would have his WBA World Featherweight title challenged by former Naoya Inoue opponent TJ Doheny.

The Irish fighter had a 26-5 record going into the bout, and had not fought since being stopped by the Japanese ‘Monster’.

Ball successfully defended his world title in his hometown of Liverpool. However, things could have gone much differently for the Englishman.

The end of round one would see Doheny seemingly keep Ball in a headlock after the bell had rung. Frustrated by the incident, Ball kicked out at the title challenger, who went down from the blow.

There was no punishment given to the world champion for the moment, as the referee started round two as normal. Ball went on to win the fight via retirement, as Doheny did not emerge for round 11.

However, Ball admits things could have gone much worse.

Nick Ball spoke about the incident of him kicking TJ Doheny

In a recent interview with Sky Sports, Ball spoke on the incident in round one with his Irish opponent.

“It was actually a knee I hit him with, in the leg,” Ball said.

The English fighter then showed regret for the kick, “I shouldn’t have done it, it could have been worse. I could have been disqualified.” The world champion also described his reaction as ‘stupid’.

However, Ball has seemingly moved on from the moment. “It is what it is. I got the job done, onto the next.”

Ball’s next fight will see him take on Sam Goodman (20-0) as he will compete on the undercard of Moses Itauma vs Dillian Whyte.