Raymond Ford Grabs The WBA Title In A Thriller Over Kholmatov
In a battle between two undefeated fighters for the vacant WBA featherweight title, Raymond “Savage” Ford (15-0-1, 9KO) scored a comeback victory over Otabek “Bruce Lee” Kholmatov (12-1, 11KO)
Related Article: Unbeaten Contenders Kholmatov & Ford To Vie For A World Title
Ford used those quick hands, defense, and jabs to land solid shots and fought well off the back foot. Kholmatov attacked the body early, hoping to slow down Ford. He even landed a hard right hand that hurt the New Jersey native.
The Uzbekastani picked up the work rate and was throwing punches like a video game player with unlimited energy. But, Ford adjusted and started coming forward throwing the uppercuts and hooks to the body.
In the championship rounds, Kholmatov was having tremendous success off the front foot. He fought well behind the jab, targeting the cut below the Ford’s left eye. With the fight slipping away, Ford came marching back in the last round and landed a right uppercut that had Bruce Lee badly hurt.
Chasing his opponent into the corner, Savage landed a right hand, and the referee stopped the fight. In this author’s opinion, it was a bad stoppage, as Kholmatov should have been given a chance to see if he could’ve finished the round.
In the post-fight interview, Ford revealed to the fans that a move to the junior lightweight division is on the horizon.
