Nick Ball's undefeated professional career came to a sudden end as Brandon Figueroa claimed the WBA featherweight world title with a dramatic 12th-round knockout in Liverpool.

The hometown champion entered the ring with a 24-fight unbeaten record but was floored by a straight left seconds into the final round. Though he beat the count, a follow-up combination prompted the referee to stop the fight.

Fact: Ball had defended his title four times, more than any other current British male world champion, making this loss particularly costly for his legacy.

Figueroa's victory caps a breakout year for the American, now a three-weight world champion. Ball's defeat ends hopes of high-profile unification bouts and leaves British boxing without a world titleholder.