Nick Ball secured his position as the reigning champion by defeating TJ Doheny by TKO at the end of the 10th round during their WBA featherweight title match on March 15, 2025, held at the Echo Arena in Liverpool, England. This victory marked Ball's second successful title defense, confidently transitioning from the more competitive super bantamweight to the featherweight class.
Ball's aggressive approach dominated the fight, causing Doheny to continuously retreat. This strategy enabled Ball to dictate the pace, triggering numerous scoring maneuvers, including one particularly interesting moment where he accidentally kicked Doomhey's right foot, causing the Irish fighter to stumble.
They've clashed not only physiologically but also strategically, as Ball's high guard and left jab pressured Doheny heavily from the outset. Despite the dominance shown by Ball, there were some moments of tension, such as when he received a point deduction during round nine for throwing Doheny down, showing the intensity of the encounter.
Throughout the event, it was apparent both fighters were aware of the potential consequences of the defeat; Doheny, already feeling the shadows of his recent loss to fellow boxer Naoya Inuoe last September, aimed for redemption. Although he entered this fight with high aspirations and motivation to reclaim his standing, he faced the decorated champion who had other plans. Indeed, on the same night as this match, future matchups were being discussed, particularly with Naoya Inuoe.
Looking to his future, Nick Ball has been set on May 4, 2025, for another bout, this time against the WBA super bantamweight's second-ranked challenger, Ramon Cardenas, taking place at the T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas. Should Ball triumph over Cardenas, it is expected he will face Murodjon Akhmadaliev—holding the interim belt—on September 14, 2025—another significant fight for him. Adding to the thrill of the featherweight division, if Ball continues to hold titles, he has his eyes set to possibly move up and claim victory against Inuoe by boxing just once at featherweight.
Ball now holds impressive statistics—a victor of 22 matches (13 by stoppage), facing his own challenges, including size variations as he stands at only 157 centimeters tall. Nevertheless, he has captured the attention of the boxing world, as promoter Frank Warren touts him and IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois as the best boxers currently fighting within the UK.
Doheny, possessing 26 wins and 20 by KO but with 5 losses now, reveals the emotional weight behind his recent loss. Having fought notable names such as Michael Conlan and Daniel Roman, the former IBF champ aims to rebuild his standing through this match against Ball.
Competing with confidence, Doheny strongly affirmed his belief prior to the fight when he stated, “I believe I am the stronger fighter, and I will prove it when the bell rings.” His confidence, faced with the significant fighting history and credentials held by his opponent, was pivotal—though he ended up suffering the crushing defeat, unable to overcome the quick and most relentless aggression of the champion.
Ball's display highlighted strategic developments for both fighters as they move forward. While both camps may have something different at stake, the emphasis on potential matchups with Inuoe stays present, and it's evident both boxers are receptive to the idea. Ball, after the bout, commented, “Should Inuoe step up to featherweight, there’s no reason we can’t make this fight happen. I'd love the opportunity to prove myself against him.”
With the outcome of the fight solidifying Ball's championship reign, the excitement is mounting around the anticipated bouts coming up, including the possible showdown versus Inuoe later this year. Fans and analysts alike will be eagerly awaiting what’s next, keeping boxing enthusiasts invested and focused.