Tyson Fury reacts to Nick Ball's knockout loss to Brandon Figueroa

Former WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury has shown his support for Nick Ball after his loss to Brandon Figueroa. 

Ball is no longer the WBA featherweight champion after being knocked out in the 12th and final round of their fight in Liverpool on Saturday night. 

This loss was the first of Ball's 25-fight professional career so far, and to lose in the way he did will seriously knock the 28-year-old's confidence. 

Ball earned the respect of Figueroa, who praised his opponent's performance in what was a very close encounter, and Fury gave his fellow Brit some much needed advice in processing the defeat following an emotionally charged night. 

Fury backs Ball to become two-time world champion

In a post on Instagram stories, Fury advised Ball to rest before returning the gym and backed the Liverpudlian to become a two-time world champion. 

"This is a message to Nick Ball," Fury began.

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

"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."

Fury then had a message for those who criticised Ball, labelling them as "pieces of rubbish". 

"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," he continued. 

"You're absolutely shameful, embarrassment w—s. 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.

The Ring

"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."

Fury was sending his message of support from Thailand where he is preparing for a comeback after retiring in January 2025. 

Scheduled for April 11, Fury is set to face the giant Arslanbek Makhmudov in what will be his first fight since losing to Oleksandr Usyk for a second time two years ago, a location is yet to be confirmed.

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