Philippines, 16 Oct 2025
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


Kholmatov vs Ford: Did Raymond Learn From Early Tests?


PhilBoxing.com





This Saturday night live on ESPN+ from the Turning Stone Resort and Casino, Otabek Kholmatov and Raymond Ford square off in a 50-50 battle. This fight will be for a vacant strap and the betting lines have Ford a slight underdog at +125 on BetMGM and +115 on mybookie. Two unbeaten southpaws should make for an intriguing main event so forget the odds and the vacant alphabet, let’s preview and predict this bout.

Raymond Ford is the more experienced boxer from the stand point of quality opponents. Opposition such as Jessie Magdaleno, Sakaria Lukas, Edward Vasquez, among others were key to the improvement we’ve seen out of Ford of late. Yes, Raymond didn’t look all that good versus Aaron Perez and you could say Edward Vazquez’s hand should’ve been raised instead of Ford. The bottom line is Raymond Ford has faced adversity and now can prove he is ready for his spotlight moment.

Similar to Ford entering the pros, Otabek Kholmatov was touted amateur. Passing the eye test plus a dominate victory over Thomas Patrick Ward is one thing. Facing a tested boxer in Ford is another thing. Is Kholmatov up for the task? It appears Otabek has the power advantage and height as well but not much taller after seeing them face-off at the presser. Let’s get into the X’s and O’s off this matchup.

Speaking of power, Otabek looks to do damage with almost every punch he throws. Kholmatov delivers hooks with both hands, many times in rapid fire combos. A fairly fluid puncher, he will double up on those hooks especially with the left hand to the head or body. With long arms and good hand speed, he likes to fight at range. He has good footwork and is definitely light on his feet but he will stand his ground as well. A bad habit Otabek has is leaving large holes in his defense while throwing those home run shots.

Ford has the faster hands and is very active with his jab. Like Otabek, Raymond throws hooks with both hands. He loves the jab-left, whether hook or straight left hand. Ford can’t make the mistake of letting his punch volume drop given Otabek’s style. Edward Vazquez’s pressure was effective throughout the fight and we saw Ford on the ropes a bunch. He did look composed somewhat but he also got hit too much. Vasquez was able to land looping punches to the body and up top while Ford was trapped.

Something to remember Vasquez has only 3 knockouts that’s not the case on Saturday versus Otabek. Some fans and media members believe those challenges that Raymond had exposed his ceiling. This boxing podcaster believes it made him a better overall boxer hence the more prepared. Look for two-way action in the middle of the ring and at times on the inside near the ropes. We’ll see some fancy footwork from both in the form of circling and pivoting. 7-5 for either man is a fair prediction in this boxing junkie’s eyes. While neither boxer has elite defense Raymond Ford is more responsible in that department. Look for him to time and counter Otabek just enough to get the nod.

My Official Prediction is Raymond Ford by Majority-Decision.
PODCAST: tobtr.com/12318241 or The Rope A Dope Radio Podcast on Apple Podcasts

Side Note: The co-feature is Luis Alberto Lopez vs. a game fighter in Reiya Abe. Lopez will be the aggressor while Abe looks to box on the outside like Ruben Villa did. My Pick: Lopez by UD.
Also, Amanda Serrano and Jake Paul return on DAZN this weekend.

Written by Chris Carlson Host/Producer of The Rope A Dope Radio Podcast Available at www.blogtalkradio.com/ropeadoperadio Follow on Twitter @RopeADopeRadio


Click here to view a list of other articles written by Chris Carlson.


Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • YORK HALL PRESS CONFERENCE: EVERYTHING THAT WAS SAID AS CONWAY AND LIDDARD GET SET FOR HUGE DOMESTIC CLASH
    , Wed, 15 Oct 2025
  • Unbeaten Super Featherweight Contender Andres Cortes Set for Return on October 18 Against Derlyn Hernandez-Geraldo in Long Beach
    , Wed, 15 Oct 2025
  • JOEL “LETHAL” LEWIS RETURNS NOV 28TH THUNDERDOME 52 – METRO CITY PERTH
    , Wed, 15 Oct 2025
  • Shane Mosley Sr. Blasts Oscar De La Hoya of Blocking Son’s Title Shot, Calls for Trilogy Fight on Drew & Pris Uncensored podcast
    , Wed, 15 Oct 2025
  • MASOUD vs McGRAIL HEADLINES BLOCKBUSTER MONTE-CARLO SHOWDOWN VI CARD ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6 – LIVE ON DAZN
    , Wed, 15 Oct 2025
  • WFM Mendoza seizes lead in 2025 FIDE World Youth Chess Championship
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 15 Oct 2025
  • YOENLI HERNANDEZ KNOCKS OUT RAMON DELACRUZ SENA IN FIRST ROUND OF MAIN EVENT OF FISTS OF FURY 8
    , Wed, 15 Oct 2025
  • BEN WHITTAKER TITLE SHOT CONFIRMED WITH PRESS CONFERENCE THIS FRIDAY
    , Wed, 15 Oct 2025
  • GOLDEN BOY ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP TO BOOST AMATEUR TALENT IN CHIHUAHUA, MEXICO
    , Wed, 15 Oct 2025
  • SHANNON RYAN: I'M READY TO BRING 'KAOS' TO YORK HALL THIS WEEK
    , Wed, 15 Oct 2025
  • Nikita Tszyu Health Update
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 15 Oct 2025
  • THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 13 OCTOBER 2025: Ennis Wipes Out Lima; Vianello Defeats Barriere; Makhmudov Outpoits Allen
    By Eric Armit, , Tue, 14 Oct 2025
  • Omar Juarez Set for Homecoming Clash Against Omar Rosario on October 18 i
    , Tue, 14 Oct 2025
  • BLAZEN ROCILI, THE 6’3” FILIPINO GIANT, SCORES DOMINANT 2ND-ROUND TKO OVER ORLANDO SALGADO IN AURORA, COLORADO
    , Tue, 14 Oct 2025
  • YORK HALL FIGHT WEEK SCHEDULE CONFIRMED AS KIERON CONWAY VOWS TO TEACH 'OVER CONFIDENT' RIVAL GEORGE LIDDARD A LESSON
    , Tue, 14 Oct 2025
  • Pedro Veitia Set to Face Fellow Unbeaten Xavier Ceron on October 18 in Texas, Live on DAZN
    , Tue, 14 Oct 2025
  • Jesse Espinas Victorious, New IBF Asia Champion
    By Carlos Costa, , Mon, 13 Oct 2025
  • Naseem Hamed Update
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Mon, 13 Oct 2025
  • Kiddie Chess Tournament Goes to Farmers Plaza
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 13 Oct 2025
  • Manny Pacquiao vs. Rolly Romero in January 2026? Boxing Legend Eyes One More Run at Glory
    By Dong Secuya, , Mon, 13 Oct 2025
  • 11 martial arts in BP 2025
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Mon, 13 Oct 2025
  • NM Medina beats Slovak GM, draws with FM Castellano to win the 8th AQ Prime FIDE Standard Open Chess Tournament
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 13 Oct 2025
  • “The Wonder Boy” Carl Jammes Martin Ready to Shine October 29 at the 50th Anniversary of the Thrilla in Manila (Analysis)
    By Carlos Costa, , Mon, 13 Oct 2025
  • THRILLA IN MANILA GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY 19: JOE FRAZIER FIGHTS ALI, QUARRY AND ELLIS AGAIN
    By Maloney L. Samaco, , Mon, 13 Oct 2025
  • Berchelt captures "Reynosa" WBC commemorative belt after triumphant return
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Mon, 13 Oct 2025




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2025 philboxing.com.