Nick Ball is making waves after defending his WBA featherweight title against TJ Doheny on Saturday night, March 15, 2025, providing fans with much to talk about. Best known for his relentless style and aggressive gameplay, the 28-year-old champion demonstrated his prowess by outlasting the 38-year-old Irish veteran, winning the match convincingly over ten rounds.
For Ball, the match was about more than just defending his title. It was also an opportunity to showcase his skills and challenge the narrative surrounding his next potential opponent—pound-for-pound prodigy Naoya 1499. Recently, Ball spent countless hours facing questions about whether he would meet the super bantamweight champion as he prepares to move up to the featherweight division.
The December 2024 bout between Doheny and Naoya 1499 had resulted in Doheny pulling out early due to injury, so Ball saw this fight as his chance to make his claim. “I think it’s gonna make for good fight. He gets in there and pushes everyone else back but I won’t allow it,” Ball told Queensberry, responding to questions about the speculation of him facing 1499.
Ball (22-0-1, 13 KOs) is now positioned at No. 3 on The Ring's featherweight rankings. The comparisons to 1499 raise curiosity. Both fighters have their strengths—while 1499 boasts tremendous knockout power, Ball's pressure and remarkable output is thought to present challenges for his rival.
Meanwhile, Naoya 1499 will defend his titles for the fourth time against Ramon Cardenas at the T-Mobile Arena this May. If the Japanese fighter walks away unscathed, he could be making headlines by potentially moving up to featherweight later this year or early next year.
The banter between fighters has already started bubbling over social media. After Ball's unique kick to Doheny during the match, where he bizarrely lashed out at his opponent as referees intervened, 1499 reacted on social media, stating, "That Ball is funny, but don’t kick it!!
Unfazed, Ball countered with, "When you’re ready to kick it at 126 lbs, let me know,” to which 1499 replied, "Two fists are enough for me.” This playful jab highlights the both of their intentions to meet inside the ring eventually. "Let’s make it happen and find out then," Ball added, reaffirming the anticipation of the bout brewing.
For Ball, it’s not just about 1499; his promoter Frank Warren is focused on helping Ball unify the titles at 126 pounds first. Balancing the possibility of facing 1499 with another strategy functions as his pathway to greatness. The featherweight division features four champions, along with Stephen Fulton (WBC), who recently defeated Brandon Figueroa for the title last month.
Carl Frampton, former two-weight world champion, believes Ball could surprise many if he faces 1499, stating: "I genuinely think he [Nick Ball] has a very good chance of beating him. "Ball's high-pressure fighting style, combined with exceptional mental control, could present issues for 1499.
Ball knows he must secure his position within the division before even thinking about 1499. He has previously faced setbacks, including drawing against Rey Vargas for the WBC title last year. Ball, unyielding, stated, "Get the belts first. He’s not even my weight yet." He is focused on claiming the other titles before they discuss 1499.
Standing at 5'2'', Ball even humorously noted the height difference when discussing potential fights with other tall featherweight champions like Rafael Espinoza, who towers 6'1'' over him. "Yeah, I need a pair of stilts first and then I’ll get in there with him!" he jokingly expressed the tension surrounding such bouts.
All eyes will be on Ball as he works his way through future unification fights; the boxing world is eager to see how these two dynamic fighters match up if the superfight materializes. Ball’s soon-to-be schedule will surely keep fans at the edge of their seats as he navigates his ambitions. The question lingers—can the relentless style of Nick Ball truly be the kryptonite to Naoya 1499' devastating knockout power? If the future events align, fans will not have to wait long to see how this exciting potential matchup plays out.
With plenty of ambition, Ball's strategy appears solid. If everything falls perfectly, 2025 could be the year boxing fans witness the battle of Ball versus 1499—a fight fueled by anticipation and exciting possibilities. The buildup could lead to game-changing moments for both fighters' careers as they aim for glory inside the squared circle.
