In a stunning turnaround, Raymond Ford overcame the odds to win the WBA featherweight belt with a 12th round TKO against Otabek Kholmatov. Behind on the scorecards and with the clock ticking down, Ford unleashed a barrage in the final moments, sending Kholmatov reeling into the ropes and sealing a victory that had seemed elusive.
From the get-go, Kholmatov had Ford on the ropes, landing heavy blows that seemed to spell an early night for Ford. Yet, Ford flipped the script, turning the pressure back on Kholmatov and gradually chipping away at his defenses. The climax came in the twelfth, with Ford finding the strength for a final, decisive onslaught, prompting the referee to step in and call it a day.
Ford, reflecting on his victory, credited his gritty resolve and hinted at moving up to conquer new territories in the boxing landscape. “I had to let the beast out,” he said, acknowledging the uphill battle in enemy territory and the struggle to make weight that might see him aiming for conquests in the higher division.
Meanwhile, Luis Alberto Lopez defended his IBF featherweight title with gusto, stopping Reiya Abe in the eighth. Lopez’s unorthodox attacks left Abe struggling, and despite the warrior spirit Abe showed, Lopez’s relentless assault led to the referee stepping in to save Abe from further punishment.
Lopez, fueled by the support of his family ringside, expressed his desire to test his mettle further, eyeing unification bouts or a foray into the super featherweight division for bigger challenges.
Elsewhere on the card, the welterweight showdown between Brian Norman Jr. and Janelson Bocachica ended abruptly due to cuts, leaving fans clamoring for a conclusive ending. Bryce Mills outpaced Gerffred Ngayot to a decision win in the junior welterweight clash, showcasing his stamina and skill.
Middleweight Troy Isley, under the tutelage of Brian McIntyre, made short work of Marcos Hernandez, signaling his rising status with a crisp TKO. Floyd Diaz outmaneuvered Edwin Rodriguez in a tactical display to earn a unanimous decision victory.
Dominican standout Rohan Polanco handed Tarik Zaina his first defeat in a commanding performance that highlighted his relentless aggression and tactical nous. Nico Ali Walsh, continuing his legacy, outboxed Charles Stanford to a decision win, while heavyweight Brandon Moore maintained his unbeaten streak with a decisive win over Helaman Olguin.
In a night that had it all – comebacks, tactical masterclasses, and heart-stopping action – the fighters left it all in the ring, setting the stage for what promises to be an electrifying future in the squared circle.
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