Boxing
Raymond Ford explains what he wants from Otabek Kholmatov title fight
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Raymond Ford is hoping to use his title fight with Otabek Kholmatov as a stepping stone in his career.
The undefeated American comes up against his Ukrainian opponent as they contest the vacant WBA featherweight strap ( live on ESPN in the US ) this Saturday.
At 24, the promising southpaw has plenty to prove yet if he is to build an enduring legacy.
Speaking to BoxingScene.com , he acknowledged that deadline with criticism from fans and spectators is tough.
“Yeah, but you know, that’s the same with any fighter,” he said. “I definitely experienced that. When I first experienced it, I dealt with it kind of hard. Now it’s just like I don’t do this for nobody but my family and myself, so I couldn’t care less about what anybody else says. I know who I am as a fighter and as a person.”
Fighting out of Camden, New Jersey, he hopes to fight back in his hometown when the opportunity presents itself.
“Of course I want to go back home and fight on the east coast, where my fan base is; where my friends and family are,” he said.
“That’s what every fighter’s dream is – to go back home and perform in front of their loved ones. That’s my main dream – to go back home to fight.
“Anything else can come after.”
Looking ahead, the youngster is determined to keep his mind on his career, adding: “Just keep winning, keep putting on great performances, keep outclassing everybody I get in there with and keep staying in the gym, working on my craft and staying focused.”
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