Tyson Fury sends message of support to Nick Ball after devastating KO as scorecards revealed

Tyson Fury has told Nick Ball he can ‘be a world champion again’ after the Liverpudlian lost his WBA featherweight title.

Ball was brutally stopped by Brandon Figueroa in front of his home fans at M&S Bank Arena on Saturday night, subsequently tasting the first defeat of his 25-fight professional career.

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The knockout came in the first minute of the 12th and final round as Figueroa dropped Ball with a thunderous left hand before later sending him crashing through the ropes.

Figueroa’s entourage stormed the ring in triumph before the 29-year-old from Texas had his arm raised on enemy territory as the new WBA world titleholder at 126lbs.

The post-fight scenes almost turned very ugly as members of security were forced to prevent an emotional team Ball from interrupting, while the crowd threw objects in the ring.

Figueroa, to his credit, remained respectful when speaking after the bout, praising his British opponent for his willingness to fight.

Nick Ball vs Brandon Figueroa official scorecards

Members of the boxing fraternity have continuously debated the round-by-round scoring of the nip-and-tuck affair.

However, the official scorecards now reveal that Figueroa would’ve gone on to claim a points victory, barring a disastrous final few minutes.

Two judges had the American up 106-103 by round 12, while a third had Ball winning 107-102.

Some fans have since criticised Ball for his performance on home soil, leaving two-time heavyweight champion Fury enraged.

Tyson Fury slams ’embarrassing’ critics

“This is a message to Nick Ball,” Fury said on social media in the hours following Ball’s defeat.

“Fantastic fight, mate — unlucky. This is boxing. It happens. You win some, you lose some.

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“Get some time off — well-deserved rest. Get in the gym — a great little fighter, and you can come back and be a world champion again.

“This one is for all the haters out there and people who have no guts at all to get in a boxing ring and try it.

“You’re absolutely shameful, embarrassment w***ers. Hating on people who try their best in life.

“The man’s fought a two-weight world champion, and you try and give him stick, you pieces of rubbish.

“Get in there and have a fight yourself, 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.”

Adam Catterall praised an ‘unbelievable performance’ on talkSPORT’s Fight Night coverage from Figueroa, who said he wants to unify the WBA strap in his hometown next.

Bruce Carrington, Angelo Leo and Rafael Espinoza all hold world titles at featherweight