The boxing world is still reeling from a shocking night in Riyadh, but Tyson Fury has wasted no time in showing the class that defines a champion. Following Nick Ball’s devastating knockout loss—the first of his professional career—the "Gypsy King" took to social media to send a powerful message of solidarity to the Liverpool featherweight.
While the knockout ended the fight in an instant, the release of the official scorecards has added a layer of "what if" to a night that will haunt Ball’s camp for some time.
Fury’s Message: "A Warrior's Journey"
In an emotional post-fight video, Tyson Fury reached out to Ball, urging him not to let one night define a career built on grit and determination.
"Nick, keep your head up, son. You’re a world-class operator and a true warrior. This is boxing—we win some, we lose some, but we always go again. You’ll be back on top before you know it." — Tyson Fury
Fury, who has faced his own share of professional and personal setbacks, emphasized that Ball’s aggressive style and "Scouse heart" have already made him a fan favorite, regardless of the result.
The Scorecards: A Bitter Pill to Swallow
The loss is made even harder to stomach by the revelation of the judges' scorecards at the time of the stoppage. Before the fight was halted by the devastating knockout blow, Nick Ball was actually leading on two of the three official scorecards.
The tallies showed that Ball’s relentless pressure and high volume had been winning over the judges in the early and middle rounds. Had the fight gone the distance, the WBA featherweight title might well have stayed in Liverpool. Instead, a split-second lapse in defense allowed for a clinical finish that turned the tide of the entire division.
What’s Next for Nick Ball?
At just 28, Ball has plenty of time to rebuild. His promoter, Frank Warren, has already hinted at a potential rematch or a domestic blockbuster later in 2026. The support from a figure as massive as Tyson Fury will undoubtedly aid in the mental recovery after such a high-profile defeat.
The featherweight division remains one of the most competitive in the sport, and despite the "L" on his record, Ball’s performance up until the KO proved he belongs at the very highest level.