The unbeaten Otabek Kholmatov is a hard-hitting lefty from Uzbekistan with the look of a James Bond henchman. It’s not the ideal choice of opponent for your first world title bout, but that’s who American Raymond Ford will face at the Turning Stone Resort & Casino in Verona, New York, on March 2.
Last May, Kholmatov was selected as the mandatory challenger for then-WBA featherweight champ Leigh Wood. However, after regaining the championship from Mexico’s Mauricio Lara in a revenge assignment, Wood gained an exemption to defeat fellow Briton Josh Warrington and made it clear that he would be moving on to pastures new at super featherweight.
The next available contender for Kholmatov to face for the vacant crown was Ford, who also happens to be an unbeaten southpaw with plenty of ability. This is a trade fight between two excellent contenders and the winner will emerge as a champion in a division that’s bursting with talent.
The Sporting News takes a deep dive into the career of Kholmatov, who has been installed as a slight favourite to become world champion on Saturday night.
WATCH: Otabek Kholmatov vs. Raymond Ford, exclusively on ESPN+
Who is Otabek Kholmatov?
Kholmatov was born in Uzbekistan on July 22, 1998, and took up boxing as a child. By the time he was a teenager, the young fighter had already taken huge strides in the amateur ranks.
By September 2015, Kholmatov was the number one fighter in his country in the lightest weight class (up to 49 kgs). The following year, he claimed bronze at the Youth World Championships, which is no mean feat given the level of competition.
Eventually turning professional in August 2021, Kholmatov has been fast-tracked to professional success. All but one of his 12 opponents have been stopped inside the distance and only three have lasted into the fourth round.
British fans will recall Kholmatov ending the 34-fight unbeaten streak of Thomas Patrick Ward in March 2022. Ward was down three time and stopped in round five.
Last year, Kholmatov was named on The Sporting News 25 Under 25 list of boxers at No. 10.
When is Otabek Kholmatov vs. Raymond Ford?
Otabek Kholmatov vs. Raymond Ford airs on March 2 at 9 p.m. ET.
| Region | Date | Main Card Start Time | Main Event Ring Walks (approx.) |
| USA and Canada (ET) | Saturday, March 2 | 9 p.m. ET | 11:30 p.m. ET |
| USA and Canada (PT) | Saturday, March 2 | 6 p.m. PT | 8:30 p.m. PT |
| UK and Ireland | Sunday, March 3 | 2 a.m. GMT | 4:30 p.m. GMT |
|
Australia |
Sunday, March 3 | 1 p.m. AEDT | 3 p.m. AEDT |
How to watch Otabek Kholmatov vs. Raymond Ford: TV channel, live stream
| Region | TV channel | Live streaming |
| USA | ESPN | ESPN+ |
| Canada | — | TSN+ |
| UK and Ireland | Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Arena | Sky GO |
| Australia | — | TBC |
The Otabek Kholmatov vs. Raymond Ford main card will air on ESPN+ in the U.S. The undercard will air exclusively on ESPN+.
Otabek Kholmatov vs. Raymond Ford price: How much does the event cost?
You can pay $10.99 for a monthly subscription to ESPN+ or buy an annual subscription for $109.99.
| Product | Prices |
|---|---|
| ESPN+ Monthly Subscription | $10.99/mo |
| ESPN+ Annual Subscription | $109.99/yr |
| The Disney Bundle w/Hulu Ad-Supported | $14.99/mo |
| The Disney Bundle w/Hulu No-Ads | $24.99/mo |
WATCH: Otabek Kholmatov vs. Raymond Ford, exclusively on ESPN+
Otabek Kholmatov record, bio
- Nationality: Uzbekistani
- Born: July 22, 1998
- Height: 5-7
- Reach: N/A
- Total fights: 12-0
- Record: 12-0 with eleven wins via knockout