Raymond Ford Targeting The Winner of Mauricio Lara vs Leigh Wood
Southpaw Raymond “Savage” Ford (14-0-1, 8 KOs) is vying to be the future of the featherweight division. Currently ranked second by the WBA, the 24-year-old from Camden, New Jersey believes he is ready for a world title shot with intentions of winning the WBA belt.
Ford is coming off a unanimous decision victory over ex-WBO junior featherweight champion Jesse Magdaleno on April 8. In his first big test as a pro, Ford shined. Following the victory, Ford sat down with 210BoxingTv and talked about what and who he would like to fight next.
“Everybody knows I want (Mauricio) Lara at 126 or Leigh Wood, whoever wins that. So, I’m gunning for the WBA title. I’m ranked number two in that. So, that’s what I’m shooting for.”
Lara is the reigning WBA featherweight champion and is set to fight a rematch against Wood on May 27. They previously fought in February 2023, when Lara stopped Wood in eight rounds to win the WBA strap. Ford will be an interested observer, for sure.
A MUCH IMPROVED FIGHTER
Boxing insiders have talked about Ford’s talent since his amateur days. But questions were raised by some fans about the New Jersey native following a split decision draw against Aaron Perez in March 2021.
Hearing criticism for the first time in his professional career, Savage sharpened his tools, getting better with each fight. His progress culminated with a one-sided, dominant win over Magdaleno. At the very least, he has the skills to compete with either Lara or Wood.
Lara, Wood, and Ford are all promoted by Matchroom. Company chairman Eddie Hearn has given high praise to Ford and says he’s on the cusp of fighting for a world title. Whether he gets the winner of Lara – Wood II next, Hearn has big plans for Ford, who looks like an emerging force in the featherweight division.
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