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'A bit cheeky' - Nick Ball explains reason behind kick against TJ Doheny
Nick Ball made a second successful defence of his WBA featherweight title on Saturday night against rugged Irishman TJ Doheny.
Fighting in his home city of Liverpool, Ball was able to overcome a tough start and as the contest progressed was landing punches with ease.
The damage was there for all to see on Doheny with swelling under his eyes and a possible broken jaw. Eventually his corner had seen enough and waved the fight off at the end of round 10.
While this was an important win for Ball, there was some controversy in the form of a kick by Ball on Doheny following the bell at the end of the first round.
As Doheny looked to frustrate Ball, he had the Liverpudlian in a headlock and as referee Michael Alexander separated the two fighters, Ball lashed out and kicked Doheny who fell to the canvas.
This incident sparked outrage on social media with some calling for Ball to have a point deducted or even disqualified for his actions.
Speaking about the kick to The Ring following his win, Ball explained his actions.
"It’s a bit cheeky him doing that to me to be honest," Ball said.
"A bit cheeky getting me in the headlock and keeping hold of me after the bell went.
"He did a dirty move on me; I did a dirty one back."
Ball's win has set him up for some big fights in 2025 with pound-for-pound star and undisputed super bantamweight champion Naoya Inoue being lined up as a possible opponent.
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