NEW YORK — Winning is important, of course, but what matters most is always how you accomplish the task. Otabek Kholmatov appears just as amazing as his record suggests. He not only handles himself in the ring, but he also easily outclasses the opposition.
Even though the 25-year-old from Uzbekistan has just had a few fights, the WBA sanctioning body seems to have taken notice of him. Kholmatov (12-0, 11 KOs) was called up to fill the vacant championship. On March 2nd, he will formally compete against Raymond Ford in an attempt to win the title of world champion.
Kholmatov is hardly the boldest of trash talkers; instead, he lets his art do the talking. He hopes that Ford gives up since only one of his rivals has made it to the final bell. Ford, meanwhile, has never demonstrated the ability to fold under duress.
The 24-year-old isn’t going to downplay Kholmatov’s influence. Still, is he afraid of what he has to offer or afraid of getting hit by him? Without a doubt not.
“Nothing,” said Ford in media reports when asked what it is about Kholmatov’s presence that unnerves him “Nothing at all.”
With the exception of his split decision draw with Aaron Perez, Ford (14-0-1, 7 KOs) has appeared to be nearly invincible. Ford’s 2023 year may be viewed as both dismal and noteworthy in the future. In the end, the native of New Jersey only stepped into the ring once. Even yet, he managed to face Jessie Magdaleno, the first former world champion, despite having a limited schedule.
Kholmatov is now his next scheduled opponent after that victory. In the Turning Stone Resort & Casino in Verona, New York, Ford will be thrilled if he wins. Alright, in a way. Style points are everything to Ford. That is, on fight night, he will have something to prove.
“He got a lot of holes in his game. I’m a go in there and dominate. That’s what I train to do. I’m not going in there looking for a close fight. I’m a completely outclass him and show him and the whole world that he’s not on my level,” said Ford.
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