Boxer Nick Ball KICKS opponent and leaves him on the canvas during title fight

World champion boxer Nick Ball floored his opponent TJ Doheny with a wild kick in their title fight in Liverpool.

Ball, 28, put his WBA featherweight title on the line in his home city with bizarre scenes unfolding at the end of the opening round.

After an exchange in the corner of the ring, Doheny appeared to be holding Ball in a headlock after the bell had rung.

Ball responded by aiming a kick at the Irish fighter who fell to the mat with gasps coming from the crowd.

Referee Michael Alexander spoke sternly to both fighters who amicably touched gloves at the start of the second round with the fight continuing.

Ball, who won his world title last summer in a wonderful win over Raymond Ford, piled on the pressure during the second-half of the fight, catching Doheny with shuddering shots upstairs and to the body.

38-year-old Doheny was throwing little back but stood his ground valiantly, absorbing huge damage as he survived another relentless attack in the 10th round.

In between rounds, the decision was made by Doheny’s corner to pull their man out and rescue him from further pain.

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