RAYMOND Ford delivered a commanding performance, securing a lopsided points victory over Thomas Mattice to make it two wins from two in his new super-featherweight division. The former WBA featherweight champion, now competing four pounds heavier, showcased his superior skill set against the 34-year-old Mattice at Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall.
Ford started sharply, stalking Mattice and unleashing eye-catching shots from his southpaw stance with fluid movement. Though Mattice landed occasional right hands, his efforts never troubled Ford’s dominance. The 26-year-old New Jersey native thrilled the crowd with neck-snapping punches, hunting for a stoppage to cap his performance.
Ranked in the top five at 130 pounds by the WBA and IBF, Ford (17-1-1, 8 KOs) now faces loftier challenges in his quest to become a two-weight world champion. His only frustration was Mattice (22-5-1, 17 KOs) lasting the full distance. The judges’ 100-90 shutout scorecards underscored Ford’s control from start to finish.
In the final round, boos echoed through Boardwalk Hall, likely aimed at Mattice’s survival tactics rather than Ford.
In his post-fight interview, Ford expressed satisfaction with the win but admitted his desire for a knockout:
“He could take a hit. I was trying to set him up with some good shots but he tough.”
With Eduardo Nunez set to face Masanori Rikiishi in Japan next month for the vacant IBF super-featherweight title, Ford was asked if Nunez is his next target should he claim the belt: “For sure. I been saying that. Been telling Eddie [Hearn] this, telling my team this. He know I want this fight. It’s up to him if he wanna fight me, that’s the real question. Hopefully he go over there and do his thing, bring the belt back so we can get it on.”
