Junior lightweight Raymond Ford is set to debut in his new division on Saturday at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia.
The 25-year-old Camden, New Jersey native Ford, now training out of Houston, will face Orlando Gonzalez in a matchup that caps a crazy 2024 for the former featherweight titleholder. The fight will be broadcast live on DAZN.
Ford’s year began on a high note when he claimed the vacant WBA featherweight title, stopping Otabek Kholmatov in the 12th round. But his momentum took a hit in June when he suffered a narrow split-decision loss to Nick Ball. Reflecting on the past and looking ahead, Ford shared his thoughts in a recent Matchroom Boxing interview posted on their YouTube channel.
“I felt what it feels like to be a world champion, to have a title,” Ford said. “I just don’t feel right if I don’t have a belt. I’m definitely eager to get another title.
“It’s the same old savage, just in a newer weight class,” Ford said. “I think it’s an okay division, but I believe it’s missing excitement.”
Ford’s move to Houston represents more than just a change in training environment; it’s part of a lifestyle shift. “Right now, we’re in Houston, Texas. This is my new home,” Ford said. “I’m a family man now, so we needed a big house. I love it out here,” noting that he bought the home in June, shortly after his fight with Ball.
Despite the setback, Ford maintains confidence in his abilities especially in his fight against Ball. “Looking back, I don’t feel like it was a bad fight or a bad performance,” Ford said. “We gave fans the type of fight they wanted to see. I’ve watched it over probably five times. I let him take control early, but I started to get my rhythm and got used to his timing a little bit, and figuring him out a little bit too late. I never was down on myself or felt bad in any way. I always held my head high. I just feel like I’m more motivated.”
Meanwhile, Gonzalez, 29, of Puerto Rico, enters the fight with momentum. Since his September 2022 loss to Misael Lopez, Gonzalez has rebuilt his career mostly on ProBox TV’s “Wednesday Night Fights,” racking up five straight wins to reach a record of 23-2 (13 KOs).
“Training camps have been intense, killing the body every day, but I’m feeling stronger than ever,” Ford said. “Mentally, I’m on a revenge tour.”