Brandon Figueroa loves it when an opponent stands toe-to-toe with him.

It takes two willing participants to make a fan-friendly fight, which is why his upcoming opponent Nick Ball appears to be the perfect fit when they meet February 7 at Echo Arena in Liverpool.

“I do really well against guys that fight me,” Figueroa said during their press conference Tuesday. “I already know that we’re going to clash in the middle of the ring.”

Becoming a three-time champion consumes Figueroa, who had each of his two previous reigns come to an end vs. Stephen Fulton.

Nevertheless, the 28-year-old is ready to turn the page.

When last seen, Figueroa (26-2-1, 19 KOs) grabbed a controversial decision over Joet Gonzalez on July 19. But while that contentious win got him back on track, he’s a decisive underdog against Ball.

Ball, the Ring’s No. 3 featherweight and WBA titleholder, spent 2025 defending his crown against TJ Doheny and Sam Goodman.

Ball (23-0-1, 13 KOs) has shown with victories over Ray Ford and Isaac Dogboe that he can compete with the best. According to Figueroa, those experiences on the big stage won’t help him.

“It’s just who wants it more in the end,” Figueroa said.