Nick Ball lost his WBA featherweight title after being knocked out by Brandon Figueroa in front of a home crowd in Liverpool last Saturday.
The fight appeared to be headed to the scorecards when the 29-year-old American Figueroa landed a left hand to drop the champion to the canvas in the 12th round.
Home favorite Ball got back to his feet, but Figueroa kept his opponent between the ropes and ensured the fight wasn’t recorded on the scorecards when the referee called off the bout.
However, chaos descended on the ring as Figueroa’s camp overflowed with celebrations, sparking a melee between the two camps.
Ball, unbeaten in his previous 24 games, tried to pick up the pace but Figueroa refused to give in.
Figueroa made the breakthrough as the game entered the final three minutes, sending the ball to the canvas with a strong left hand.
Ball got back to his feet, but as soon as Figueroa dropped Ball on the ropes, he sensed his opportunity and got the job done.
For many rounds there was little between the pairs. Ball landed some strikes, but Figueroa threw more punches.
Both men were shaken in the eighth round, with Ball being pressed against the ropes at one point and Figueroa falling after losing his feet.
Ball tried to increase the intensity near the end of the match, but Figueroa held firm and ultimately won.
Wrecking Ball suffered his first loss, while Figueroa is now a three-time world champion.
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