Nick Ball lost his featherweight world title this weekend in Liverpool, suffering a dramatic twelfth round stoppage at the hands of Brandon Figueroa. In the aftermath, two-time heavyweight king Tyson Fury has sent him a message of support.
Liverpool’s Ball went back and forth with Figueroa throughout and was looking to finish strong for a chance to retain his WBA belt on the cards. The Mexican-American had other ideas, however, producing a thunderous left hook to drop Ball and closing the show shortly after.
Speaking on Instagram, Fury addressed Ball directly.
“This is a message to Nick Ball. Fantastic fight, mate, unlucky. This is boxing. It happens. You win some, you lose some. Get some time off, well-deserved rest, get back in the gym. Great little fighter. You can come back and be world champion again. 100%.”
‘The Gypsy King’ then turned his attention to people ‘hating on’ the Brit.
“And this one for all the haters out there and the people who ain’t got no guts to get in the boxing ring and try it. You’re absolutely shameful. Embarrassing w—kers. Hating on people who try their best in live. The man’s fought a two-weight world champion and you try and give him stick. You pieces of rubbish. Get in their and have a fight yourselves you cowards. It’s always a cowardly person who will hate on someone who’s trying to do something that they could only dream about doing. Chin up, Nick, all the best.”
Some of Ball’s team came in for criticism online for the way they reacted to Figueroa’s team celebrating victory before ensuring the former champ was seen to by medical staff. Figueroa apologised to the fans in attendance following this, expressing his respect for Ball.
