VERONA, NY — In a battle that delivered every bit of drama a championship bout should, Raymond Ford snatched victory from the jaws of defeat with a jaw-dropping stoppage of Otabek Kholmatov with just seven seconds left in the 12th and final round, capturing the vacant WBA featherweight crown in what is now hailed as the Ring Magazine’s 2024 Fight of the Year.

Fighting under the bright lights of the Turning Stone Resort & Casino, the two young warriors put on a display that reminded boxing purists why the featherweight division has long been revered for its blend of speed, grit, and fireworks. Ford, the rising American southpaw, entered as a promising contender. Kholmatov, the undefeated Uzbek powerhouse, was the betting favourite and started the fight like one.

From the opening bell, Kholmatov used sharp timing and slick footwork to dictate the pace. He found success early with his left hand, peppering Ford with clean counters while gliding around the ring. By the mid rounds, Kholmatov appeared to be pulling ahead, his offense flowing freely and his movement seemingly too much for Ford to overcome.

But championship fights are won in the deep waters — and that’s exactly where Ford thrived.

After falling behind on the scorecards and absorbing punishing shots, Ford began to shift the momentum with relentless pressure and a granite chin. Kholmatov, though still dangerous, began to show signs of wear. Unknown to many at the time, the Uzbek had torn his ACL during the fight — a brutal injury that would have stopped most men in their tracks.

Still, he battled on.

In the championship rounds, Ford turned up the heat. A cut under Ford’s eye threatened to derail his night, but the Camden native answered with a ferocity that had the Verona crowd roaring. Then came the 12th. With the clock ticking down, Ford unleashed a final flurry — an uppercut followed by a barrage that drove Kholmatov to the ropes. With the Uzbek barely standing, the referee waved it off at 2:53, sealing a sensational TKO victory.

Ford’s heroic comeback not only earned him his first world title but also secured his place in American boxing history as Matchroom USA’s first world champion. With whispers of a move to 130 pounds, the future looks bright for the undefeated 24-year-old.

Boxing fans won’t soon forget this one — a true classic that proved once again, it’s never over until the final bell.