Of course, winning is salient but it’s always been about how you get it done. Otabek Kholmatov looks as spectacular as his record indicates. Not only does he take care of business in the ring but he flat-out runs over the competition.
He may have just a handful of fights but the 25-year-old has seemingly done enough to catch the eye of the WBA sanctioning body. With their title vacant, Kholmatov (12-0, 11 KOs) was given the call. Officially, he’ll fight for a chance to become a world champion when he takes on Raymond Ford on March 2nd.
Kholmatov isn’t the most audacious trash talker, preferring to let his work speak for itself. With only one of his opponents reaching the final bell, he’s hoping that Ford eventually crumbles. Folding under pressure, however, isn’t something that Ford has ever done.
For the 24-year-old, he isn’t going to ignore Kholmatov’s power. Nevertheless, is he scared of being hit by him or worried about what he brings to the table? Absolutely not.
“Nothing,” said Ford during an interview with YSM Sports Media when asked what Kholmatov brings to the table that has him unnerved. “Nothing at all.”
Outside of his split decision draw against Aaron Perez, Ford (14-0-1, 7 KOs) has looked practically unbeatable. In 2023, Ford’s year could be looked upon as both depressing and breakout-worthy. Ultimately, the New Jersey native entered the ring just once. But while his schedule was scant, he did take on his first former world champion in Jessie Magdaleno.
Following that win, Kholmatov is now next up on his schedule. If Ford grabs the victory, he’ll be the happiest man in the Turning Stone Resort & Casino in Verona, New York. Well, sort of. For Ford, it’s all about style points. Meaning, he has a point to prove come fight night.
“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.”