Title Doubleheader at Featherweight!

The featherweight division which had some of the best fights in 2023 continues to sizzle has this doubleheader of featherweights on March 2nd will fight for a title. Two champions will be crowned in one night in the same division. Headlining the Top Rank card that will be presented on ESPN+ is Raymond Ford (14-0-1, 7KOs), squaring off against Otabek Kholmatov (12-0, 11KOs) for the vacant WBA title. Luis Alberto Lopez (29-2, 16KOs) will be defending his IBF title against Reiya Abe (25-3-1, 10KOs). This featherweight title doubleheader will take place on March 2nd at the Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, NY.

Top prospect Raymond Ford has a notable win against Jessie Magdaleno who at the time suffered his only loss against Isaac Dogboe in 29 fights coming into his fight with Ford which ended Magdelano’s 5-year unbeaten streak after his loss to Dogboe. Ford has been looking sharp in his fights and paved his way to challenge for a title and looks to not disappoint come fight night. Ford was quoted saying “I’ve been waiting so long for this fight, and I’m already tired of talking about it. I’ve worked my whole life to put myself in position for this opportunity, and I will be leaving that ring on March 2 as a world champion.” Ford knows what is at risk and what is to gain.

Kholmatov is said to be one of Uzbekistan’s “hidden gems”. Kholmatov took undefeated, 33-0 Thomas Patrick Ward’s “0” and handed him his first loss via a 5th rounds stoppage. Kholmatovalso snatched another “0” when he went against the then 14-0 Andranik Grigorian. Will Kholmatov continue the trend to snatch “0’s” and take Raymond Ford’s “0”? Kholmato was quoted saying, “This is the opportunity I have been waiting for, and I will be ready, I have no doubt. On March 2, I will become the new WBA featherweight champion of the world.” Like Ford, I have no doubt. On March 2, I will become the new WBA featherweight champion of the world.” knows what is at stake and what is to gain and will also be bringing his ” A-Game” come fight night.

On the co-main Lopez had his eyes on a unification bout with Robeisy Ramirez but had to settle for mandatory challenger Abe. Lopez is coming off a tough, competitive decision over Joet Gonzalez back in December. Back in December of 2022, Lopez defeated Josh Warrington to snatch the IBF belt. Lopez then went on to stop Irish prospect Michael Conlan in the 5th round in their match. Lopez was quoted saying, my team and I are focused on Reiya Abe. I’m going to make my third title defense on March 2, and we’ll be focused on obtaining the victory and making a statement in order to get a unification fight against whomever is available.”

Abe took on veteran fighter Kiko Martinez with a record of 44-11-2 back in April of 2023 in which he won a one-sided decision victory in a title eliminator clearly earning his chance to challenge Lopez for his title. Abe was quoted saying, “I am traveling a long way to fulfill my dream of becoming champion of the world. Lopez is a tough opponent, and I will give it my all to bring a world title home to Japan.”

On March 2nd , 4 will sqaure off and two will be crowned king in the featherweight division. Tune in and do not miss out on the world title doubleheader!