Nick Ball Retains Featherweight Crown in Liverpool: A Relentless Victory Over TJ Doheny
On March 15, 2025, Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena played host to a pulsating featherweight world title clash that saw hometown hero Nick Ball defend his WBA strap against the gritty Irish veteran TJ Doheny. In a fight that blended skill, drama, and controversy, Ball’s unrelenting pressure proved decisive, forcing Doheny’s corner to pull their man out before the 11th round in a thrilling conclusion to an action-packed night of boxing.
Broadcast live on TNT Sports and discovery+, the bout showcased Ball’s meteoric rise in the 126-pound division. Coming off a breakout 2024 where he claimed the WBA featherweight title, the 27-year-old Liverpudlian entered the ring with a chip on his shoulder and a raucous crowd at his back. Across from him stood Doheny, a former super bantamweight world champion with a reputation for durability and a record boasting 20 knockouts in 26 wins. The stage was set for a classic.
From the opening bell, Ball’s intentions were clear: impose his will and turn the fight into a war of attrition. His high-volume punching and relentless forward movement tested Doheny’s resolve early, while the Irishman leaned on his experience, firing back with sharp counters and tying up Ball in clinches to slow the pace. The first few rounds were a chess match with fists, as Doheny’s craftiness kept him in the game against Ball’s youthful exuberance.
As the fight progressed, Ball’s pressure began to wear Doheny down. By the midway point, the challenger’s face bore the marks of Ball’s onslaught—reddened eyes and a swollen cheek testament to the champion’s precision and power. Doheny, however, refused to wilt easily, landing a notable uppercut in the seventh that briefly halted Ball’s momentum and drew gasps from the crowd.
The bout took a controversial turn in the ninth round when Ball, frustrated by Doheny’s clinching, twice pushed his opponent to the canvas—an infraction that cost him a point on the referee’s scorecard. Moments later, Ball’s temper flared again as he delivered a kick to Doheny’s midsection during a heated exchange, sparking outrage from some ringside observers. Despite the deduction and the ensuing chaos, Ball’s focus never wavered.
Entering the championship rounds, Doheny’s tank was visibly emptying. The 38-year-old warrior, who had last fought in a valiant but unsuccessful bid against Naoya Inoue, struggled to match Ball’s pace. The 10th round saw Ball land a barrage of unanswered shots, leaving Doheny slumped against the ropes. Sensing their fighter’s exhaustion and mounting punishment, Doheny’s corner waved the white towel before the 11th round began, handing Ball a TKO victory at the 3:00 mark of the 10th.
The official result cemented Ball’s status as a force in the featherweight division, improving his record to an impressive 21-0-1 (12 KOs). Post-fight, he soaked in the adulation of his Liverpool faithful, declaring, “TJ’s a tough man, but I knew my pressure would break him. This is my house, and I’m here to stay.” The win marked Ball’s second successful title defense, further solidifying his claim as one of Britain’s brightest boxing talents.
For Doheny (26-6, 20 KOs), the loss was a bitter pill, but his resilience earned respect. “Nick was the better man tonight. I gave it everything, but he wouldn’t stop coming,” he said, hinting that retirement might loom after a career that’s seen him share the ring with the sport’s elite.
The fight wasn’t without its detractors—some fans and pundits argued Ball’s actions warranted a disqualification, with one boxing coach lamenting on social media that the kick “brings boxing into disrepute.” Yet, others praised Ball’s tenacity, with analysts already eyeing dream matchups against the likes of Inoue or fellow featherweight titans like Leigh Wood.
As the dust settles on this Liverpool slugfest, Nick Ball’s star continues to rise. With his blend of aggression, heart, and hometown pride, he’s carving out a legacy that could one day see him atop the pound-for-pound ranks. For now, though, the Scouse sensation basks in another hard-fought victory, proving once again that in the ring, he’s a relentless wrecking ball.
