Raymond Ford returned to winning ways with a composed unanimous decision victory over Abraham Nova in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, further solidifying his status as a contender in the super featherweight division.

The Camden, New Jersey southpaw, now 18-1-1 (8 KOs), was tested across 10 competitive rounds but ultimately claimed the verdict on all three scorecards by margins of 96-94, 97-93, and 97-93. For Ford, this win marks his third straight success since suffering a setback against Britain’s Nick Ball in the high-profile Matchroom vs Queensberry 5v5 event.

Nova, stepping in as a late replacement for Ireland’s Anthony Cacace, entered the bout with a respectable 24-4-1 (17 KOs) record and brought intensity from the opening bell. The Puerto Rican landed two sharp right hands at the close of the first round, signalling his intent to push Ford into uncomfortable exchanges.

But Ford’s slick footwork, rapid counters, and southpaw angles quickly took control. Donning orange trunks that paid homage to Turki Alalshikh’s call for more action-packed encounters, Ford showcased crisp combinations — including a lead right hook and left uppercut to the body that forced Nova onto the defensive in the early sessions.

Though Nova pressed forward, often looking for fight-ending shots, Ford’s tighter defence and sharper timing consistently kept him one step ahead. The sixth round highlighted the difference in class, with Ford landing a clean double-hook combination that left Nova momentarily disorganized.

Still, Nova refused to wilt. He rallied in the middle and late rounds, pressing Ford to the ropes and trying to turn the fight into a brawl. Ford, however, remained calm under fire, slipping punches and countering with precision. By the final round, Ford was ducking under big right hands and answering with clean hooks, sealing a decision that reflected his sharper work across the contest.

Although Ford admitted afterwards that he wasn’t fully satisfied with his showing, the victory keeps him firmly in the title picture at 130 pounds. The 26-year-old has his sights set on WBC champion O’Shaquie Foster but has also stated his willingness to face any belt holder in the division.

Nova, despite the loss, proved durable and game, though his inability to consistently adapt left him chasing the contest. For Ford, this was less about style points and more about securing momentum as he pushes toward reclaiming championship status in a stacked super featherweight class.