Raymond Ford’s eyes are glued to the screen tonight as Nick Ball steps into the ring with Rey Vargas for the WBC World Featherweight crown, all happening live on DAZN PPV. Ford, freshly crowned as WBA champ in a jaw-dropping finish last weekend, is itching for Ball to triumph, setting the stage for a unification showdown.
Last weekend, Ford clinched the WBA belt, stopping Otabek Kholmatov with mere seconds to spare, marking himself as Matchroom’s pioneer World champ from debut on American soil.
Despite previously considering a move up due to a challenging weight-cut, the 24-year-old is now pondering staying at 126lbs if the fight – and the paycheck – are enticing enough.
Tonight, Ball faces Vargas in Riyadh, a key bout in the ‘Knockout Chaos’ event. With Ford now in possession of his title, he’s eyeing a unification bout with Ball, should he emerge victorious, as the perfect reason to stick to the featherweight division a bit longer.
Ford shared with Matchroom’s ‘Flash Knockdown’ Podcast, “I’m always looking for what’s next. Winning a World title is great, but I’m hungry for more – more belts, bigger fights, better paychecks. Saturday was just the start; I’m on the hunt for a legacy that’s filled with thrilling battles. I’ll be back in action soon.”
Ford hinted at a potential unification fight with Ball, a move that could make history in the featherweight division, adding, “It’s all about finding the right moment to make that weight cut again for a unification clash with Nick. Hopefully, he secures the win tonight.”
Ford’s victory over Kholmatov was a testament to his resilience and tactical prowess. Despite a late cut under his eye, Ford dominated the final round, sealing the win with a decisive uppercut.
Reflecting on his victory, Ford said, “Watching the fight back, I felt the same rush of emotions many others did. It’s been a journey, not just in the ring but in life. Making my mom proud and overcoming the odds, that’s the real victory.”
So, what do you think, fans? Will Ford get his wish for a unification bout with Ball, or will tonight’s fight write a different story? Share your thoughts and predictions below!