Raymond Ford clinched the vacant WBA title in the 126-pound division with a late-round stoppage victory over Otabek Kholmatov from Uzbekistan in Verona, New York on March 3.
IN THE FINAL MOMENTS OF ROUND 12.
— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) March 3, 2024
RAYMOND FORD HAS THE HEART OF A CHAMPION. pic.twitter.com/FH3Xv6ru8B
Referee Charlie Fitch stopped the fight with seven seconds left in the 12th round after Ford launched a relentless assault on Kholmatov.
Ford reportedly trailed 106-103 on two of the three official scorecards, indicating that he needed the stoppage or multiple knockdowns to win. He was ahead 105-104 on the third card.
In post-fight comments, Ford attributed his victory to his coach's advice to "bring that dog out" and his determination to succeed despite a tough weight cut.
"The rounds were too close. I just had to bring that dog out that my coaches were talking about. I always knew I had it in me. I come from a rough background. There's nothing that can stop me. Ever," Ford stated.
Both fighters absorbed considerable punishment, with Kholmatov outlanding Ford 200-182 overall and 120-102 in power punches, according to CompuBox.
Ford, aged 24 and hailing from Camden, New Jersey, plans to move up to the 130-pound division for future challenges.
As per to ESPN's Joe Tessitore, following his TKO defeat, 25-year-old Kholmatov from Uzbekistan was scheduled to undergo observation at a local hospital. In the initial stages of the bout, Kholmatov, with a record of 12-1 and 11 knockouts, dominated, winning four of the first five rounds on two scorecards. His aggressive approach, marked by overhand lefts, gave him an early advantage. However, Ford's strategic pressure in Round 5 shifted the momentum, allowing him to gain control of the fight.
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