Kholmatov vs Ford: World Title Doubleheader Preview

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It won’t be lengthy earlier than a card with vital implications for the featherweight division takes place. Otabek Kholmatov (12-0, 11 KOs) will tackle Raymond Ford (14-0-1, 7 KOs) for the vacant WBA title in the primary occasion. Simply earlier than that will probably be a conflict the place Luis Alberto Lopez (29-2, 16 KOs) defends his IBF belt in opposition to Reiya Abe (25-3-1, 10 KOs). The fights are a part of a March 2 Top Rank card on the Turning Stone Resort & On line casino in Verona, NY. Large Battle Weekend can even be current come Saturday night time.

The fighters spoke at a press convention Thursday afternoon forward of their respective clashes. Beneath is what they needed to say:

Otabek Kholmatov vs. Raymond Ford Preview

Otabek Kholmatov

“It has been my dream to battle for a world title,” stated Kholmatov by an interpreter. “I’ve been coaching my complete life for this. I’m prepared.”

“I like to battle. That’s all I’ve performed in my life. So, I’m going to carry the battle on Saturday.”

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“I’m very properly ready. It’s been an ideal coaching camp. Nice sparring. Nice coaches. Every part went properly, and we’re ready for the battle.”

“Preventing for all of the titles is a dream come true. Each fighter needs to grow to be undisputed. That’s the objective for me.”

Raymond Ford

“This implies the world to me,” stated Ford. “I’ve been combating my complete life for this chance. It’s lastly right here, and I’m going to take full benefit of it.”

“Shakur Stevenson is sort of a large brother to me. I’ve been sparring with him since I used to be within the amateurs. It’s actually no totally different. Simply now it’s extra intense. It’s nice at all times going to Houston. I get away from residence and distractions. I can absolutely lock in, and that’s been the distinction from my previous few camps.”

“I’m keen to remain for another battle at 126 if it’s to defend in opposition to a champion or a giant cash battle. If it is sensible, I’m positively right here for it. Nevertheless it needs to be immediately. If not, I’m shifting as much as 130.”

Luis Alberto Lopez

“I’m anxious to step into the ring and anxious ship an ideal battle to the folks,” stated Lopez by an interpreter.

“We all know he’s a fighter who likes to maneuver quite a bit. He likes to be on his toes and shifting backward. But when he needs to be the brand new champion, he’s going to have to come back right here and battle. We are going to do all the pieces doable to win early.”

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“I’ve been searching for a unification battle for fairly a while. When Mauricio Lara was a champion, I needed to unify with him. When Robeisy Ramirez was a champion, I needed to battle him. I’ve been asking for it.

“The sooner a unification battle occurs, the higher for me. It might be nice for my profession.”

Reiya Abe

“I believe Lopez is an effective champion,” stated Abe by an interpreter. “However this would be the day that I present that I’m the most effective at 126 kilos.”

“The extent of boxing in Japan has been bettering, and I’m happy to have been acknowledged there. The strain has elevated, however I think about it to be essential to grow to be stronger.”

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“I imagine that bringing again a victory is one of the best ways to provide again to everybody who has supported me.”

Kholmatov vs. Ford and Lopez vs. Abe Battle Predictions

The primary occasion pits two younger fighters in opposition to one another. Ford has fought better-quality opposition but additionally has his share of off nights. Then again, Kholmatov has a better KO share however not the identical stage of expertise within the skilled ranks. That being stated, Large Battle Weekend is anticipating the Uzbek’s energy to have the ultimate say within the battle. Anticipate a stoppage win for Kholmatov earlier than the tenth spherical.

Lopez has confirmed himself time and time once more in opposition to opposition which have underestimated him. Whereas Abe is on a six-fight win streak and would be the taller fighter, “El Venado” has proven that he can dominate in opposition to such opponents. Anticipate Lopez to win a large unanimous resolution.