Why this shot came so fast
Some fans questioned why Figueroa landed right back in a title fight after such an obvious loss. The answer lies less with Figueroa and more with Ball’s recent choices. Since his disputed draw with Rey Vargas in March 2024, Ball has remained busy without moving toward unification level danger.
He defeated Ray Ford by split decision, then defended against TJ Doheny and Ronny Rios, both older fighters with limited upside. His most recent win, a unanimous decision over Sam Goodman in Riyadh, looked wider on paper than it felt in the ring. Goodman lacks power, but repeatedly found Ball with combinations and controlled long stretches of that fight.
At that run, Figueroa becomes acceptable. Not dangerous enough to derail the title run, credible enough to silence criticism for a night.
Queensberry said it clearly. “WBA featherweight king Nick Ball returns home to defend his crown against one of his toughest tests yet in two-weight world champion Brandon Figueroa on February 7,” the promotion said.
Ball is undefeated at 23-0-1, 13 KOs, and physically relentless. At 5-foot-2, he fights like a cannon, always charging, always stepping in. What he didn’t do is rush the other belt holders at 126. Rafael Espinoza, Angelo Leo, Bruce Carrington and Otabek Kholmatov remain untouched.
Figueroa will test Ball’s engine and durability. He won’t test his willingness to gamble against elite threats. That answer is still waiting.
Date: February 7, 2026
Start time: 17:00 local; 12 pm ET; 5pm UK
Streaming platform: TBA
Venue: M&S Bank Arena, Liverpool, England
Fight Card: Nick Ball vs Brandon Figueroa
