Featherweight Champion Raymond Ford Loses Title in Close Split Decision Battle
On May 6th, in a closely contested bout at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, WBA featherweight champion Raymond Ford (15-1-1, 8 KOs) lost his title in his first defense against the undefeated Nick Ball (20-0, 11 KOs). The fight was decided by a split decision, with two judges scoring the bout 115-113 in favor of Ball, while one judge had it 115-113 for Ford.
The 25-year-old Ford, who had won the vacant title in March against Otabek Kholmatov, had spoken of moving up in weight after the championship win. However, he ultimately decided to face the 27-year-old Ball in his first title defense. Despite giving it his all, Ford was unable to retain his belt, losing in a closely contested encounter.
“Hope y’all enjoyed the fight, props to Nick Ball, nothing but respect. Gave it all I had today.”
- Raymond Ford, former WBA featherweight champion
In the aftermath, Ford acknowledged Ball’s performance, tweeting his respect for the new champion. The former champion also revealed his plans to move up to the junior lightweight division, stating, “Off to 130 [junior lightweight], my energy still the same and I still stand on what I said. I’m coming to 130 for them belts, meet me there.”
While Ford did not rule out a potential rematch with Ball in the future, he made it clear that he would only pursue it if the new champion also moved up in weight. “If Nick Ball moves up, I’ll be chasing a rematch. I’m not chasing it now because I’m not killing myself to make 126 no more. I know what I can can do and I know I’m still that guy,” Ford said.
Overall, it was a closely fought battle that left viewers divided over the winner, but Ford remains confident in his abilities and is already looking ahead to the junior lightweight division, where he plans to chase more championship belts.
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