Raymond Ford shocked the world by stopping Otabek Kholmatov in the dying seconds of their world featherweight title fight on Saturday night, leaving promoter Eddie Hearn flabbergasted.
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Ford has widely been regarded as one of the best young fighters in the world, boasting a 14-0-1 record going into his first world title tilt. He signed with Hearn and Matchroom after deciding to turn professional in 2019, having direct messaged the promoter on Instagram.
The American talent only has one blemish on his record - a split decision draw against Aaron Perez back in 2021. Saturday night was his crowning night, as he took on Kholmatov for the vacant WBA strap.
Kholmatov, who was also undefeated going into the fight, seemed to enjoy the majority of success throughout the bout, and was leading on two of the three judges scorecards. Ford, however, turned things around in the dying moments of the final round in a dramatic finish.
Ford first downed the Uzbekistan after a flurry of punches, but the referee deemed it to be a push rather than a knockdown. Still, Ford had momentum and had spotted a weakness, as he pounced on Kholmatov straight from the restart and forced a referee stoppage with an onslaught of unanswered punches.
Hearn was quick to react, as he posted on X (formerly Twitter): "Wow! F****** YESS!!!" The promoter followed that up by writing: "I've enjoyed some unbelievable moments in this sport..my God that was right up there!!! AND THE NEW!!!"
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Speaking after the fight, Ford admitted he knew he was trailing the fight in the final round, and needed a knockout. He said: "I knew I had to stop him. 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."
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