Aurelia Butler

NICK BALL retained his world featherweight title in front of his hometown crowd with a relentless 10th round TKO stoppage over TJ Doheny!Liverpool favourite Ball is one of the most exciting fighters in British boxing and could now face Japanese superstar Naoya Inoue next.The pair had to be separated by security as the weigh-in descended into chaos on Friday and Ball then went unpunished for landing a KICK on his rival following a tangle at the end of round one.Doheny started well but Ball’s relentless style saw the Liverpudlian exert pressure and tick off rounds before Doheny’ corner threw in the towel before the start of the 11th.Andrew Cain and Charlie Edwards earlier met for the British and Commonwealth bantamweight titles, with Cain winning a split decision after a boring fight.BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSFollow the action with our live blog below…Turner’s left hook sends Farrag tumbling to the canvasApart from that brilliant main event, the other massive highlight tonight goes to Liverpool’s own Jack Turner.After starting the fight well in the first round, Turner did not slow his approach and came at Ryan Farrag at full steam.He didn’t waste any time putting Farrag on the ropes and let his hands go swinging.It was the final left hook that sent his opponent tumbling onto the canvas, with Turner then jumping on top of the ropes with sheer joy of what he had just done.At just 23 years old and now 11-0, Turner has lots of potential in the Super-flyweight division.Jack Turner celebrates his victory after beating Ryan Farrag in LiverpoolCopy linkCopiedThe Wrecking Ball’s nightIn an incident-packed fight, Ball kicked out at his opponent following a headlock in the first round and was deducted a point in the ninth for twice pushing his opponent to the canvas.But the 28-year-old Ball landed crisp and cleaner power punches to defend his WBA title.Copy linkCopiedCan Warren entice Inoue?A potential match-up with Naoya Inoue would certainly captivate a mainstream audience.’The Monster’ – with 26 stoppage wins in 29 wins – is a legitimate global great.Inoue is expected to successfully defend his undisputed super-bantamweight title against Ramon Cardenas in May and has teased a move up to featherweight.Veteran promoter Frank Warren’s wish of Ball headlining a stadium fight at either Liverpool or Everton Football Club may just entice Inoue into making a trip to the North West of England.Frank Warren, founder of Queensberry Promotions, at the WBA World Featherweight title fight between Nick Ball and TJ DohenyCopy linkCopiedWho is Naoya Inoue?The smart money on who Ball’s next opponent will be is on Naoya Inoue, a Japanese professional boxer. He has held multiple world championships in four weight classes, and is one of only three male boxers in history to become the undisputed champion in two weight classes in the “four-belt era”.Naoya Inoue poses for photographs last year following a press conference ahead of his super bantamweight fight with Ireland’s TJ Doheny in TokyoCopy linkCopiedBall not asked about kickIrishman TJ Doheny, 38, was repeatedly hurt in the ninth and 10th rounds before his corner stepped in and stopped the contest.Doheny had some success in the earlier rounds but felt the pace against the younger opponent as the match progressed.With his right eye swollen shut for the second half of the fight, Doheny became a punch bag before the bout was halted.Ball, who extends his record to 22 wins and one draw, was fortunate not to be disqualified – or at least have points deducted – after kicking out at his opponent.The local fighter was not asked about the kick in his post-fight interview, below.Nick Ball after his match against TJ Doheny, which he won with a stoppage at the end of the 10th round at the M&S Bank Arena in LiverpoolCopy linkCopiedShould Nick Ball have been DQ’d? Liverpool favourite Nick Ball’s fight vs TJ Doheny was as tense and tasty as you could’ve asked for. The pair were at each other all night, even after rounds. After the fifth round, Doheny seemed to have Ball in a headlock and to the frustration of the world featherweight champion, he kicked out on his Irish opponent. Many have called for at least a points deduction but it could’ve, and probably, should’ve been worse. Copy linkCopiedCard recap A fantastic night of boxing at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool.Stephen Clarke BEAT Dmitri Protkunas by pointsIonut Baluta BEAT Brad Strand by split decisionJadier Herrera BEAT Jose Macias Enriquez by TKO in the seventh roundAndrew Cain BEAT Charlie Edwards by split decisionJack Turner BEAT Ryan Farrag by KO in the second roundNick Ball BEAT TJ Doheny by TKO after the referee stopped it in-between rounds 10 and 11.Copy linkCopied’The quicker the fight is made, the better’ Nick Ball has made it no secret that he is open to a fight against Naoya Inoue. Turki Al-Sheikh went on social media to promote Inoue fighting in Saudi at the end of the year, and when posed about the opportunity of the dust-up, if timelines match up, Ball is all for it. “Yeah definitely [to fight Naoya Inoue in Saudi in Decemeber],” said Ball to Ring Magazine. “Everyone is speaking about it, his name is starting to do my head in; the quicker the fight is made, the better.”Copy linkCopiedBall vs Inoue next?With this fantastic second WBA title defense from Nick Ball, the attention now goes to who he could fight next.Many fans are hoping that his next bout could be against one of the best boxers in the world, Naoya Inoue.Even for the impressive Nick Ball, Inoue would be a big step up in competition.The Japanese fighter is the reigning IBF, WBC and WBO super bantamweight champion of the world and is 29-0 with 26 finishes.However Frank Warren suggested this fight might be later than fans were hoping for.He said “A fight with Inoue would happen towards the end of the year or maybe early next year, that’s the plan”.Copy linkCopiedA fantastic display in the main eventLast night’s main event saw Nick Ball have one of his best performances of his career as he beat TJ Doheny by TKO after the referee had stopped the fight in between rounds 10 and 11.Nick Ball was on a mission to show why he is one of the best featherweights in the world. And that performance showcased why pundits and fans have been saying that. As for TJ Doheny, that was likely the last time the 38-year-old will fight for a world title. The Irishman has now come up against Nick Ball and Naoya Inoue in back-to-back fights, two of the best boxers at this weight. Doheny showed lots of heart in last night’s loss and should look back at his performance with his head held high. Copy linkCopiedThe KO of the nightApart from that brilliant main event, the other massive highlight tonight goes to Liverpool’s own Jack Turner.After starting the fight well in the first round, Turner did not slow his approach and came at Ryan Farrag full steam ahead.He didn’t waste any time putting Farrag on the ropes and let his hands go swinging.It was the final left hook that sent his opponent tumbling onto the canvas, with Turner then jumping on top of the ropes with sheer joy of what he had just done.At just 23 years old and now 11-0, Turner has lots of potential in the Super-flyweight division.Copy linkCopiedTonight’s fight resultsHere’s a look back at what unfolded on tonight’s card.A fantastic night of boxing at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool.Stephen Clarke BEAT Dmitri Protkunas by pointsIonut Baluta BEAT Brad Strand by split decisionJadier Herrera BEAT Jose Macias Enriquez by TKO in the seventh roundAndrew Cain BEAT Charlie Edwards by split decisionJack Turner BEAT Ryan Farrag by KO in the second roundNick Ball BEAT TJ Doheny by TKO after the referee stopped it in-between rounds 10 and 11.Copy linkCopiedWhat Frank Warren had to sayShortly after Ball spoke about his performance, his promoter, Frank Warren, got on the mic and made some interesting suggestions regarding Ball’s future bouts.He said: “A fight with Inoue would happen towards the end of the year or maybe early next year, that’s the plan.”But Nick doesn’t want to wait that long, he still wants to fight, it’s our job to keep him busy and keep bringing him back here in Liverpool.”I also want to take my hat off to TJ[Doheny]; he is a true fighting man.”Nick Ball is the best featherweight in the world! bar none.”Copy linkCopiedNick Ball shows respect to TJ DohenyWith the WBA featherweight belt wrapped across his waist, the ringside reporter asked Ball about his performance and what he made of his opponent.He said: “In there, I knew it was going to be tricky, it’s a world title fight.”The main thing was taking my time and just do what I’ve been working on in the gym.”They [the crowd] want to see all action, but I can box and do that so I’ve shown both now”.Copy linkCopiedAnd still!After that boxing clinic, Doheny retains his WBA featherweight world title.After ten completed rounds of boxing, the referee, Michael Alexandre, stopped the contest in between rounds after Ball was piling on the pressure on his opponent.Still undefeated, Ball is now 22-0 and has defended his title twice, he now looks onto some potentially huge fights.Who should he fight next?Copy linkCopiedNick Ball wins by TKO!After that ferocious tenth round by Ball, Doheny just can’t carry on.After a very tired-looking Doheny, he is seen shaking his head, looking defeated.The referee decides he has seen enough and waves off the fight.Copy linkCopiedNick Ball vs TJ Doheny – Round 10That was a huge round by Ball!The champion lands big flurries on Doheny as he puts him onto the ropes, letting his hands go.Respect to the Irishman there who is staying in this fight and makes it to the eleventh round.Copy linkCopiedNick Ball vs TJ Doheny – Round 9One point taken off from Ball!After landing a big combination, Ball pushes the Irishman down, and after the second time doing so, the referee takes away a point.Ball responds brilliantly, landing big straight punches going up a gear as he really tests Doheny’s gas tank.How could that affect the scoring?Copy linkCopiedNick Ball vs TJ Doheny – Round 8Ball continues to throw shots and is setting the tempo in this fight.Doheny lands a good few of his own but nothing is effecting the high guard of the champion.Ball lands a blasting left jab that snaps the back of Doheny’s neck.Another great round for the champ.Copy linkCopiedNick Ball vs TJ Doheny – Round 7 Nick Ball is back on with the pressure from the first second as he lands big punches in the pocket.Ball is showing his youth here showing the stamina of a hungry champion wanting more.Doheny is starting to slow down and less punches are coming Ball’s way.Copy linkCopiedNick Ball vs TJ Doheny – Round 6Ball is back on the pressure this round and lands some fantastic punches.A quick pause in action as Doheny’s laces are untied.Ball lands a great one-two combination that looked brilliant in slow motion.A great round from Ball as we reach the midway mark.Copy linkCopiedNick Ball vs TJ Doheny – Round 5A good round by Doheny here in the fifth, as he does slow Ball’s rhythm well, with consistent in and out attacks.Ball seemed to struggle to get his combinations off this round and seemed frustrated at himself going back to the corner.The champion will be hoping to go up a gear in these next few rounds.Copy linkCopiedNick Ball vs TJ Doheny – Round 4Doheny is very much trying to slow this fight down to his pace, however, the man from Liverpool is just so relentless with his forward pressure. Some great punches to the body land on Doheny who is just enough to keep up with Ball.Another good round by the champion.Copy linkCopiedNick Ball vs TJ Doheny – Round 3Ball very much in control of this fight, upping the tempo and throwing much more punches in this round.Doheny does land a nice straight hand, but Ball shows no sign of effectiveness.Ball responds with some excellent combinations that are landing at will.A fantastic left hook lands over the top as the Irishman tried to evade but it lands perfectly on the temple just before the end of the round.Copy linkCopiedNick Ball vs TJ Doheny – Round 2A much closer round two sees both men land nice combinations on each other.Ball, still much the aggressor, is looks for a powerful right hand over the top that almost lands but Doheny does well to read it.Doheny, now 38, shows his experience well and is holding his own in this fight.Copy linkCopied More

NICK BALL defends his featherweight title in his hometown of Liverpool – and is facing TJ Doheny RIGHT NOW!Ball, one of the most exciting fighters in British boxing, will undoubtedly be the favourite and a victory against TJ Doheny could pave the way for one or more unification bouts later this year.Doheny, 38, was stopped in September by Japanese superstar Naoya Inoue and may view this dust-up as his final chance for a world title – a Ball win could see him face Inoue next.The pair had to be separated by security as the weigh-in descended into chaos on Friday, before Ball and Doheny were warned by the referee after Ball KICKED his rival after a tangle at the end of round one.Andrew Cain and Charlie Edwards earlier met for the British and Commonwealth bantamweight titles, with Cain winning a split decision after a boring fight.TV / stream: TNT Sports 1 / Discovery+Start time: 7pm GMTBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSFollow the action with our live blog below…Nick Ball vs TJ Doheny – Round 7 Nick Ball is back on with the pressure from the first second as he lands big punches in the pocket.Ball is showing his youth here showing the stamina of a hungry champion wanting more.Doheny is starting to slow down and less punches are coming Ball’s way.Copy linkCopiedNick Ball vs TJ Doheny – Round 6Ball is back on the pressure this round and lands some fantastic punches.A quick pause in action as Doheny’s laces are untied.Ball lands a great one-two combination that looked brilliant in slow motion.A great round from Ball as we reach the midway mark.Copy linkCopiedNick Ball vs TJ Doheny – Round 5A good round by Doheny here in the fifth, as he does slow Ball’s rhythm well, with consistent in and out attacks.Ball seemed to struggle to get his combinations off this round and seemed frustrated at himself going back to the corner.The champion will be hoping to go up a gear in these next few rounds.Copy linkCopiedNick Ball vs TJ Doheny – Round 4Doheny is very much trying to slow this fight down to his pace, however, the man from Liverpool is just so relentless with his forward pressure. Some great punches to the body land on Doheny who is just enough to keep up with Ball.Another good round by the champion.Copy linkCopiedNick Ball vs TJ Doheny – Round 3Ball very much in control of this fight, upping the tempo and throwing much more punches in this round.Doheny does land a nice straight hand, but Ball shows no sign of effectiveness.Ball responds with some excellent combinations that are landing at will.A fantastic left hook lands over the top as the Irishman tried to evade but it lands perfectly on the temple just before the end of the round.Copy linkCopiedNick Ball vs TJ Doheny – Round 2A much closer round two sees both men land nice combinations on each other.Ball, still much the aggressor, is looks for a powerful right hand over the top that almost lands but Doheny does well to read it.Doheny, now 38, shows his experience well and is holding his own in this fight.Copy linkCopiedNick Ball vs TJ Doheny – Round 1Nick Ball, known as one of the best featherweights has a fantastic start to this fight.He begins with a nice one-two down the middle of Doheny’s guard that does make the Irishman stumble.Ball being the shorter boxer, is very quick in his entries into the inside and lands some fantastic straight right hands.controversial way to end the round? as the bell rings, Ball knees Doheny in the back of the leg that clearly hurts Doheny.We’ll see if that effects the rest of the fight.Copy linkCopiedIts main event time!The moment we’ve all been waiting for is upon us, Nick ball defends his WBA world featherweight belt against the very experienced TJ Doheny.Not only is this a great fight but the two men have been going back and forth, and it all erupted at the weigh-ins.They very almost had premature blows had it not been for the intervention of security.Tensions rose between the pair as a fired-up Doheny fired verbal jabs the way of WBA 126lbs titleholder.Ball wasn’t in the mood to let the Irishman have the final word, saying: “You’re not ready”, before they continued to trade verbal barbs.This gonna be a good one folks, Nick Ball vs TJ Doheny is coming up next.Copy linkCopiedThe New WBA International Super-flyweight championAfter that fantastic KO victory, Jack Turner becomes the new WBA International Super-flyweight champion.He then spoke to the ringside reporter about his fantastic performance.”He said: “Never judge a book by it’s cover!””I think I’m gonna go through the lot of them [speaking about the super-flyweight division]”You haven’t seen what I can do, I’m very happy with my performance”.Copy linkCopiedHUGE KO!Jack Turner KNOCKS OUT Farrag in the second round with a devasting left hook that lands flush on the chin.After a great end to the first round, Turner comes out the blocks and goes in for the finish with a huge flurry that Farrag can’t stop.A fantastic win from Turner, he now goes to 11-0.Copy linkCopiedJack Turner vs Ryan Farrag – Round 1It’s very much youth vs experience in this match-up with their being a 14 year age gap between the two.Some nice exchanges between the two men to start this contest.Turner lands a nice combination to the head and follows up with a great body shot.Turner almost goes for the kill there at the end of first round, as he lets the hands go and puts Farrag in the corner.But the bell rings for the end of a great round.Copy linkCopiedVacant WBA International Super-flyweight belt up for grabsJust before the main event, we now have Jack Turner facing Ryan Farrag.Jack Turner has 10 wins and zero losses with nine of those coming by finish. He last fought Piero Ponte and won by TKO last December.His opponent Farrag is 23-5 and last fought in November where he beat Adam Yahaya by decision.Copy linkCopiedAndrew Cain wins by split decision. The Judges score the bout: 115-114 Cain, 115-113 Edwards, and 116-112 Cain.Andrew Cain wins the British and Commonwealth Bantamweight titles.Copy linkCopiedAndrew Cain vs Charlie Edwards – Round 12A decent round for Edwards sees him land some nice punches that have most likely seen him win the round.A large sound of boo’s once again ring around the arena.We now wait for the Judges’ scorecards for a decision. Copy linkCopiedAndrew Cain vs Charlie Edwards – Round 11The one thing you can say about this fight is that Edwards has a very good engine.He’s kept Cain very frustrated throughout this whole fight.We go into the last round of this fight in what could be a close decision on the judges’ scorecards.Copy linkCopiedAndrew Cain vs Charlie Edwards – Round 10Cain starts the round mimicking his opponent again, but the ref stops him and says that he must engage.Edwards’ feet have slowed a lot in this round, meaning there was much more action compared to most of the other rounds.A nice exchange from the two men at the end of the round, hopefully this is the start of more action.Copy linkCopiedAndrew Cain vs Charlie Edwards – Round 9Another similar round to the past eight.Cain lands a nice hook on the middle of the round but Edwards is unfazed.Edwards is showing his impressive cardio, he hasn’t stopped all night.Three rounds to go.Copy linkCopiedAndrew Cain vs Charlie Edwards – Round 8Slightly more aggression is shown by Edwards, who lands a few nice one-twos. A nice exchange between the two men at the end of the round as Cain lands a nice hook, but Edwards counters with a straight right of his own.Copy linkCopiedAndrew Cain vs Charlie Edwards – Round 7Edwards is still moving around the ring but he does catch Cain with a nice straight hand at the start of the round.More boos ring around the arena, as many fans were hoping for a much better contest.Copy linkCopiedAndrew Cain vs Charlie Edwards – Round 6A few boos in the crowd now as the audience grows frustrated with the fight.The two men barely land anything in the round, however, Edwards is naturally slowing down with his circling, which could lead to openings.It’ll be interesting to see how the judges view the contest.Copy linkCopiedAndrew Cain vs Charlie Edwards – Round 5Cain is trying to find openings in Edwards, but he is only showing short single shots that aren’t doing much.Some nice combos are landing now for Cain, who is showing real frustration, wanting his opponent to stand and exchange with him.A little bit of showboating from Cain at the end of the round who mimics Edwards’ circling.Copy linkCopiedAndrew Cain vs Charlie Edwards – Round 4Another nice round from Cain who is looking to try and slow down Edwards.He lands a good hook to the body, trying to get anything clean to land.Edwards is still just circling the ring, not landing many punches.It will be interesting to see if he can keep this tactic up for all 12 rounds.Copy linkCopiedAndrew Cain vs Charlie Edwards – Round 3Cain is looking very confident in this third round, with his hands down trying to get on the inside.He’s looking quite frustrated with his opponent however, as Edwards isn’t showing any openings.Edwards is going to have to be more aggressive if he wants to win this fight.Copy linkCopiedAndrew Cain vs Charlie Edwards – Round 2A close-up of Edwards in the corner shows a cut on his temple with blood spilling, which will definitely be something to keep an eye on as we go into the next rounds.A cagey affair in this round, with not much to highlight, Edwards is circling the ring well getting out of any attacks.Copy linkCopiedAndrew Cain vs Charlie Edwards – Round 1A fast start by the two men for this 12 round contest.Cain is dominating the centre of the ring as he lands some nice jabs to keep his opponent on the outside.A very fast tempo in this fight with both men explosive with there combinations.Copy linkCopied More