It was a busy night at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, England, where fight fans gathered to watch a packed card featuring up-and-coming talents, established contenders, and a headlining showdown for the WBA featherweight title.
In the main event, WBA featherweight champion Nick Ball met 38-year-old veteran TJ Doheny. The early rounds saw Ball’s superior engine create problems for Doheny, who fought through vision issues stemming from a badly damaged eye. As the fight entered the later stages, Doheny’s exhaustion became clear. By the tenth, Doheny was barely able to continue, and referee Michael Alexander stepped in, giving Ball a stoppage victory. Ball’s aggression and stamina told the story, though Doheny’s heart kept things compelling until he could no longer fight on.
Watch Ball vs. Doheny highlights: Watch
A closely watched co-feature saw British & Commonwealth bantamweight champion Andrew Cain edge out Charlie Edwards by a split decision, capturing the vacant WBC Silver 118-lb title. Edwards employed movement for most of the contest, frustrating Cain’s attempts to turn it into a firefight. Although Edwards showed flashes of brilliance in the final rounds, he left it too late. Judges rewarded Cain’s aggression, further establishing him as a name to watch among bantamweight contenders.
Earlier on the card, super flyweight Jack Turner continued his destructive run with a second-round knockout of veteran Ryan Farrag. Trapping Farrag on the ropes, Turner unleashed a rapid-fire barrage that prompted an immediate stoppage. Meanwhile, Cuban lightweight sensation Jadier Herrera showcased both his power and willingness to slug, halting Jose Macias Enriquez in the seventh round. Despite absorbing punches in bunches, Herrera’s offensive onslaught eventually broke down Enriquez, highlighting Herrera’s devastating punching power but also pointing to areas where he can refine his defense.
Rounding out the standout bouts, Ionut Baluta notched a split-decision win over the crowd favorite Brad Strand for the WBO European super bantamweight belt. Although one judge scored it for Strand, Baluta’s higher work rate proved decisive for the majority, and a questionable knockdown call in the ninth added to Strand’s difficulties. This victory puts Baluta in an intriguing position for future matchups in an increasingly crowded super bantamweight scene.
With Nick Ball defending his title successfully, Andrew Cain further elevating his status, and Jadier Herrera emerging as a fearsome hitter at lightweight, the event left fans with plenty to discuss. Several fighters took major steps toward bigger opportunities, setting the stage for a thrilling next phase in their careers. As the crowd emptied the arena, attention turned to how these combatants will build on their momentum in the coming months.
Image Credit: Getty Images