“Proud Is a Understatement”: Shakur Stevenson Lauds His Stablemate Raymond Ford for Winning WBA Featherweight Title in a Dramatic Fight

By next weekend, Raymond Ford will be celebrating the fifth anniversary of his professional debut. But probably the rejoicing will hold more meaning to him this year. Two days ago, he defeated the Uzbek boxer Otabek Kholmatov to grab the vacant WBA featherweight title. Among many, his close friend Shakur Stevenson sounded the happiest.

Raymond Ford occupied the throne at the Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York. Leigh Wood vacated the title on October 17, following his win over Josh Warrington last year. The Top Rank event, aired by ESPN+, incidentally featured another featherweight title settlement as IBF champion Luis Lopez successfully defended his title from Reiya Abe. Shakur Stevenson closely followed his stablemate as he progressed through the match.

Raymond Ford and Shakur Stevenson: Proud Moments; Lasting Bonds

Early today, the three-division champion feted Raymond Ford through his Instagram account. Expressing his happiness over the latter’s success, Stevenson shared how they had worked hard and achieved success together. Now they’ve reached a stage where they can lead and show the way to a new generation.

“Proud is a understatement. Grind together, shine together. Lead the pack, but make room for the next generation..” said Shakur Stevenson. “Anybody wit us is gone; go to the top,” he stressed. Whosoever has been a part of their team went on to achieve heights of success only. However, most of the followers have yet to comes across the best Ford can put on the table: “Great work, @raysavage856. They haven’t even seen the best of u yet. Now let’s take over the sport and make way for the Hittas following behind us.”

The lightweight champion then tagged trainer Tarae Stevenson and told him to continue with the good job that he’s doing: “@realraediesel Keep working I’m proud of too n**ga #Jersey.”

Soon he received a reply from Raymond Ford: “One of the realest n**as I know appreciate ya we taking over.”

Either a Fight or Knockout of the Year Candidate

Both Raymond Ford and Otabek Kholmatov played out an edge-of-the-seat thriller on March 2. The Uzbek boxer, who secured 92% of wins through early stoppage, proved a credible opponent. Ford himself admitted that almost every round went by quickly. Hence, it became imperative for him to stop Kholmatov early. The outcome might have been different if he had left it for the judges to decide. With barely 7 seconds left in the round, a slew of combinations from Ford saw Kholmatov running.

Finally ending up on the ropes, he found himself cornered by Ford. By this time, the referee understood that the game was over for Kholmatov and raised his hands to stop the fight. Thus, the American won by a technical knockout.

Later, during the post-fight interview, he revealed that it could possibly be his last fight in the 126-pound division. He would probably move up and call out the reigning champions for a fight.

Read More: Raymond Ford vs Otabek Kholmatov: Damian Lillard Serenades Newest WFC Champion After Insane Last-Second TKO

Do you think Raymond Ford is now ready to climb up a division and challenge for a world title in the 130-pound division?

Also Read: “U Can’t Beat Me”: Shakur Stevenson Responds to Ryan Garcia’s Recent Remark on Fighting Him