Nick Ball Discusses First Career Defeat Ahead of Belfast Return
Anthony Cacace previously boxed in the arena in 2023, according to bbc.co.uk reporting.
Belfast Return Marks First Home Appearance Since 2023
The last time Cacace fought in the arena was in 2023, when he out-pointed Damian Wrzesinski over 12 rounds. That victory came on the undercard of Luis Alberto Lopez defeating Michael Conlan in an International Boxing Federation featherweight title defence. Sandwiched around that period, opponent Nick Ball secured a victory over Ludumo Lamati. That bout ended in worrying scenes when the South African suffered a stroke in the ring after being stopped in the final round, though he has since made a full recovery.
Ball admitted he “didn’t even know that” he and Cacace shared that undercard. Despite that oversight, the Liverpudlian expressed clear enthusiasm about returning to Belfast for this opportunity.
Brandon Figueroa Stops Ball in First Career Loss
Since that 2023 shared bill, the 29-year-old Ball drew in a first world title attempt against Rey Vargas before securing a victory in his next outing against Raymond Ford. Three successful defences followed that breakthrough.
In February of this year, however, the momentum unravelled in the final round against Brandon Figueroa. Ball was dropped twice and stopped, suffering his first career loss in his 25th professional bout.
“It was a good fight, back and forth for 12 rounds and he caught me with a good shot in the last round.”
Ball reflected on the defeat.
“He threw an overhand left counter as I was throwing, so that’s what happened. It’s boxing, it’s part of the game.”
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