Otabek Kholmatov vs Raymond Ford - ESPN+ - Fight By Fight Thread

[Malvado]

Seems like Top Rank has the most noteworthy featherweights with Naoya Inoue joining in probably 2025/2026. The division is becoming more and more stacked.

[Don_Jah]

does Raymond 'The Great Black Hope' Ford, even have a chance here? not seen much of him, but Kholmatov is strong and brings the pressure.

[BigZ44]

Very interested in seeing Kholmatov against this level of opposition, only ever seen highlights of him

[MeanestNiceGuy]

I despise fights like this. If Ford knows he can no longer make 126 then why not move up? If he looks like crap tonight then he’ll blame it on the weight cut. If he wins, he’ll just move up immediately after.

What’s there to be excited about here?

[MeanestNiceGuy]

Ford needs to understand that this Lil Durk song is the same one that Broner walked out to before Maidana ruined his life!

[low blows]

I can't understand how a guy who doesn't throw a basic jab can walk in and throw power punches and wail away against world class fighters. Aside from that he has a tv friendly style.

[kiaba360]

I despise fights like this. If Ford knows he can no longer make 126 then why not move up? If he looks like crap tonight then he’ll blame it on the weight cut. If he wins, he’ll just move up immediately after.

What’s there to be excited about here?

He is 24 and still growing, so maybe it was during this camp he realized the weight was simply too difficult to make. It's possible that the inactivity had something to do with the weight-cutting difficulty. Also, how many young fighters would relinquish their first title shot?

[Regge]

War Kholmotov!!!!

[Regge]

Regina your boy had a hard time getting him out with one eye
Regina you are The Kunt

Go suck off your fairys ***** boy

[MeanestNiceGuy]

He is 24 and still growing, so maybe it was during this camp he realized the weight was simply too difficult to make. It's possible that the inactivity had something to do with the weight-cutting difficulty. Also, how many young fighters would relinquish their first title shot?

Great question—not many would pass up the opportunity. I just like to see guy defend their titles at least twice before moving up but you’re right, he has been at this weight for God knows how long.