Watch controversial moment British world champion Nick Ball KICKS his opponent – before securing knockout victory to retain his title

Nick Ball has defended his WBA world featherweight title against TJ Doheny

Footage emerged with the boxer kicking his oppponent at the end of round one

Nick Ball appeared to kick his opponent TJ Doheny at the end of the first round of one of the most anticipated boxing fights on Saturday.

With the WBA world featherweight title at stake, the fighters concluded the first five minutes with a controversial illegal kick, which saw the Irishman fall to the ground in pain.

It came after Doheny missed weight on his first attempt on the scale, as he was given an hour to lose an ounce before successfully being admitted to the bout.

Furthermore, before the fight and during the face-to-face ceremony, the experienced Irishman confidently told the 28-year-old champion ‘You’re not ready’.

Doheny may have been wrong, as Ball has successfully defended his title again after the 38-year-old’s corner pulled him out of the fight.

The champion was also deducted one point in the 9th round for punching on the break.

Nick Ball successfully defended his WBA world featherweight belt against TJ Doheny on Saturday night

Nick Ball successfully defended his WBA world featherweight belt against TJ Doheny on Saturday night

However, the bout was marked by a controversial incident when the British fighter kicked the Irishman in the back of his leg at the end of the first round

However, the bout was marked by a controversial incident when the British fighter kicked the Irishman in the back of his leg at the end of the first round

With two title defences on his record, the Liverpool-born star could face Rafael Espinoza, Angelo Leo or Stephen Fulton

With two title defences on his record, the Liverpool-born star could face Rafael Espinoza, Angelo Leo or Stephen Fulton

The Liverpool-born star earned his world title in a controversial fight against Raymond Ford, which ended in a split decision.

The 28-year-old boxer has since defended his belt once against Ronny Rios in October last year, with a TKO stoppage in the 10th round after the American’s corner threw in the towel.

Ball remains an undefeated fighter, with 22 wins now and 13 from knockouts. However, he has a draw against Rey Vargas since March 2024.

Doheny, meanwhile, put in a heroic display in losing by a tenth round stoppage after his corner was heard ‘I’m pulling him out’ as the Irishman had his right eye almost entirely closed.

‘In there, it’s going to be tricky, said Ball after his title defence. ‘It’s a world title fight in my own city. Sometimes I can rush in. The main thing is taking my time and it paid off.

‘They [the crowd] want to see all the action. Obviously, I can box and go all action. I felt him getting tired with the pace I was setting.’

Now, who the British champion will select next for another belt defence remains to be seen.

WBO champion Rafael Espinoza is set to fight Edward Vazquez, while Angelo Leo will defend his IBF belt against Tomoki Kameda.

Furthermore, Stephen Fulton’s next opponent is yet to be announced after he claimed the WBC title back in February.

‘I don’t know. It’s not up to me, it’s up to Frank [Warren], he’s the best promoter in the world. Anyone,’ added Ball.