Why did this shot come so quickly?

Some fans questioned why Figueroa jumped right back into title contention after such a glaring loss. The answer depends more on Ball’s recent selections than Figueroa. Ball has been busy since a controversial draw with Rey Vargas in March 2024, but is in no danger of unification.

He defeated Ray Ford via split decision and then defended T.J. Dhoni and Ronnie Rios, both older fighters with limited upside. His most recent victory, a unanimous decision victory over Sam Goodman in Riyadh, looked broader on paper than it felt in the ring. Goodman lacked power but found Ball through combinations multiple times and controlled the fight for long periods.

Faced with this situation, Figueroa became receptive. Not dangerous enough to derail a title bid, but credible enough to silence criticism for a night.

Queensberry made it clear. “On February 7, WBA featherweight champion Nick Ball returns to his hometown for one of his toughest tests yet against two-weight world champion Brandon Figueroa,” the promotion reads.

Ball remains undefeated with a 23-0-1 record, 13 knockouts, and a tough physical presence. At 5-foot-2, he fought like a cannon, always reloading, always involved. What he’s not doing is chasing other 126-year-old belt holders. Rafael Espinoza, Angelo Rio, Bruce Carrington and Otabek Kholmatov remain untouched.

Figueroa will test Bauer’s engine and durability. He won’t test his willingness to gamble against elite threats. The answer is still awaited.

Date: February 7, 2026
Start time: 5pm local time; 12pm ET in the US; 5pm UK
Streaming platform: TBD
Location: M&S Bank Arena, Liverpool, UK
Fight Card: Nick Ball vs. Brandon Figueroa