Raymond Ford Scores Last Round Stoppage Of Otabek Kholmatov In Title Thriller

In a thrilling encounter at Turning Stone Casino, Verona, New York, Raymond Ford faced off against Otabek Kholmatov for the vacant WBA featherweight world title, resulting in a climactic 12th-round technical knockout by Ford with only seven seconds remaining. Unaware of the scorecards which had him trailing, Ford seized the moment in the final round to secure a victory that was as dramatic as unexpected.

Ford's win wasn't just about retaining his undefeated record (15-0-1, 8 KOs); it was a testament to his resilience and strategic prowess in the ring. The fight was a rollercoaster, with both boxers showcasing their skills and determination. Kholmatov (12-1, 11 KOs) started strong, dictating the pace in the early rounds and displaying an aggressive front that put Ford on the defensive.

The early rounds saw Kholmatov pushing Ford with a high volume of punches, momentarily staggering Ford with a mighty left hand in the third round. However, Ford found his rhythm by the fourth round, engaging Kholmatov with effective counterattacks that began a back-and-forth battle.
Despite the aggressive exchanges, Ford was behind on two of the judges' scorecards heading into the later rounds. His corner, recognising the urgency, motivated Ford to escalate his efforts, reminding him of the need to secure every possible advantage in the concluding rounds.

The final rounds were intense, with Ford and Kholmatov exchanging heavy blows, each looking to clinch the title. Ford's trainer's advice to "bring that dog out" in the 12th round proved pivotal. Ford unleashed a series of precise shots that overwhelmed Kholmatov, leading to the referee stepping in to halt the bout just moments before the final bell.

The victory was a personal triumph for Ford and a significant moment in his career, opening doors to potential matchups against junior lightweight titleholders. Reflecting on his performance, Ford acknowledged the challenges a tough weight cut posed and hinted at a possible move to the 130-pound division for future fights.

Kholmatov's spirited performance, despite the loss, keeps him in the mix for title contention, underscoring the depth of talent in the featherweight division. Beyond its immediate outcome, the bout highlighted the relentless spirit of two promising fighters, setting the stage for exciting developments in their respective careers.