Raymond Ford is at a crossroads. The question is whether to make some drastic changes or have faith and back himself. But that’s what a closely fought encounter does to you. The American fighter has some hard choices to make, and the immediate answer he thinks of is to move up and start a new life. Will it prove to be something his career needs? Or will he tumble down once again?

The fans will have their answer, as they will witness the former featherweight contender move up to super featherweight and fight an experienced fighter in Orlando Gonzalez. Their fight adds to the well-crafted Jaron Ennis vs. Karen Chukhadzhyan undercard at Wells Fargo Arena on November 9. Before Ford kicks off his new journey and rekindles his ambitions to be a champion again, let’s have a look at how the boxers stack up.

Raymond Ford vs. Orlando Gonzalez: Tale of Tape

Ford, 25, ticks off every box of a skilled boxer with a focus on defensive skills along with blending slick and precise offense. This helped him in his amateur career, as he racked up two national championship silvers and one Golden Glove. He built his professional career on the same foundation, which allowed him to muster an impressive record of 15-1-1 with 8 KOs. It was his last fight with Raymond Ford, which handed him the first loss of his career. However, the Camden native was at his typical best, relying on his counter-attacking and maintaining a distance. His KO ratio of 53.33% also suggests a balanced approach to fighting.

In addition, the former WBA champion uses his dimensions judiciously, with a height of 5’7″ (170 cm) and a reach of 69″ (175 cm), allowing him to dictate the pace of the fight. He uses his jabs as his lead punch to stack up his punches and maintain the distance. Will it prove effective at a new weight division?

Gonzalez, 29, is the older of the two fighters and has more fights under his belt. He is your typical classic puncher-boxer who relies on quick footwork and efficient punching to break down opponents. It’s no wonder that the Puerto Rican boxer has amassed a splendid record of 23-2 with 13 KOs, with his win streak stretching back to 5 fights. You look at his KO ratio and realize he also packs power behind his punches, as suggested by his KO ratio of 56.52%.

What’s more? The Aguadilla native has shaped out to be a well-rounded fighter with a focus on technical superiority and a penchant for an offensive approach. Interestingly, Gonzalez stands tall at 5’7½” (171 cm), almost identical to Ford. But he cedes ground when it comes to his reach, as his reach measures 67″ (170 cm). But how will these measurements affect their performances? Will Gonzalez finally have the breakthrough fight and move on to bigger things?

Prediction: Who wins it?

What separates Ford from the rest? He controls the fight’s pace and distance with his jab, lays back on his back foot, draws his opponents to over-commit, and makes them pay with his efficient counters. ‘Savage’ does this with his footwork and his lateral movement. You throw into the mix his ring generalship and boxing IQ, which allows him to adapt according to the situation and makes him a deadly fighter in the center of the ring. Meanwhile, Gonzalez has an aggressive style, as he tends to go for combination punching and uses body punching to break down his opponents.

‘Capu’ has quick footwork, which he uses to cut short the distance and put on constant pressure. If he cuts the ring efficiently, he might limit Ford’s weapons. Besides, he has a calculated approach with a high guard to minimize the punishment he receives in counters. All he needs to do is maintain high pressure, work Ford’s body, and unload his combinations. It will also help him disrupt Ford’s defensive rhythm. But will it be enough? Ford will try to keep the fight at range, force Gonzalez to over-commit, and then catch him lacking. If he remains elusive and lands his counters, we don’t see any reason his first fight at 130 shouldn’t be a win.

What do you make of this coming fight between Raymond Ford and Orlando Gonzalez? Who do you think will leave the arena with a win? Let us know in the comments below.