NICK BALL VS BRANDON FIGUEROA TIPS: NO WRECKING CHAMPION’S CHANCES
The relentless Nick Ball puts his WBA featherweight world title on the line in Liverpool with his ultimate ambition of unifying the division hanging in the balance.
A victory in his hometown would not only mark a fourth successful defence but could edge Ball (23-0-1, 13 KOs) closer to legacy-defining super-fights, with the prospect of a clash against the likes of WBO titlist Rafael Espinoza or pound-for-pound monster Naoya Inoue a seriously tantalising one for fight fans.
First, he must navigate a fascinating and dangerous encounter against former two-weight world champion Brandon Figueroa (26-2-1, 19 KOs) at the Echo Arena.
While ‘Wrecking Ball’ has a formidable record of finishing fights in front of his own fans, with seven of his nine professional bouts in Liverpool ending inside the distance, this opponent represents a significant step up in durability.
Aptly billed ‘A Tall Order’, this contest pits the 5ft 2in champion against a 5ft 9in challenger – though for Ball that perceived physical disadvantage has ever rarely mattered.
We’ve identified two best bets that merit serious consideration for the occasion…
TIP 1 – NICK BALL TO WIN BY DECISION @ 5/6
While Ball is a proven finisher on home soil, the logical selection here is for the champion to retain his belt via the scorecards.
Figueroa is durable, having never been stopped in his 29-fight professional career. His only two blemishes came on points against Stephen Fulton, a master technician who operates at the sport’s highest level.
Ball, meanwhile, is a perpetual motion machine and a tenacious pressure fighter who excels at closing the distance and overwhelming opponents with sheer volume.
In front of a raucous Liverpool crowd, expect Ball’s engine and effective aggression to consistently score points.
It could be a gruelling 12-round battle and therefore a decision victory for the hometown hero represents solid value at 5/6.
TIP 2 – OVER 0.5 KNOCKDOWNS @ 19/20
This fight has all the ingredients for explosive moments, making the 19/20 on offer for at least one knockdown a particularly attractive price.
Ball’s last eight fights have featured nine knockdowns, proving he consistently creates scenarios where fighters hit the deck.
We saw him drop the 5ft 10in Rey Vargas twice in their controversial draw, proving yet again that his power travels up to a bigger opponent.
Figueroa is an aggressive, come-forward fighter who will attempt to meet Ball in the centre of the ring, creating the very exchanges where knockdowns occur.
While Ball is a constant threat, his own aggression can leave openings for a counter from the heavy-handed Figueroa.
With both men willing to engage, at least one knockdown in the fight carries strong appeal at a shade under Evens.
Odds correct at time of publication but subject to change