THE RESULT: Down on two scorecards Raymond Ford produces a shocking stoppage win over Otabek Kholmatov with seven seconds left within the closing spherical to take residence the WBA featherweight belt.
KEY MOMENTS: In a high-quality bout there have been brutal physique exchanges all through. The conditioning of each males was excellent, however Ford saved going proper until the very finish and had Khomatov on rubbery legs within the twelfth and pounced with the Uzbeki harm, off steadiness and all over.
RECORDS: Ford extends his unbeaten run to 15-0-1 (8) however Kholmatov loses his personal zero and drops to 12-1 (11).
TALKING POINT: How a extremely aggressive combat can then be reworked right into a Battle of the Yr contender inside seconds. Each males took the most effective from one another however there have been no memorable dramatic moments however these final moments of spherical 12 elevated the combat to a different stage.
QUOTABLE: Within the post-fight interview and emotional Raymond Ford defined how he pulled out the stoppage win. “My coach instructed me carry that canine out. We needed to dig deep. I saved telling myself I’m gonna cease him. I began off a bit of gradual. I felt like I didn’t have the vitality within the legs on account of a tricky weight reduce. This could be my final combat at 126. We (Matchroom) bought Joe Cordina. I really feel like that’s combat we are able to make. I can go up there and compete with anyone.”
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? If it was powerful to make the burden as Ford recommended then transferring as much as super-featherweight seems like a wise determination. Kholmatov will come once more however there are some tough edges to be smoothed out.
