Raymond Ford Eyes Title Shot After Saturday’s Fight in Atlantic City

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — Raymond Ford is determined to secure a victory over Thomas Mattice this Saturday, a win that he hopes will pave the way for a world-title bout. The 26-year-old fighter from Camden, New Jersey, believes that success in the ring could help revitalize the boxing scene on the East Coast.

Ford’s matchup against Mattice is part of a larger event at Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall, which also features an IBF and WBA welterweight title fight between Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis and Eimantas Stanionis. Ford has been informed that should he defeat Mattice, he could face the winner of the upcoming IBF junior-lightweight title fight between Mexico’s Eduardo ‘Sugar’ Nunez and Japan’s Masanori Rikiishi.

The fight is significant not only for Ford’s career but also for a generation of fighters in the region. “The initial plan is to get this fight out the way,” Ford said, speaking with BoxingScene. “Then hopefully ‘Sugar’ Nunez wins his world-title fight, and then we can make something happen between me and Sugar Nunez.”

Ford, who trains in Houston, Texas, to minimize distractions, acknowledged the importance of the upcoming fight. “Every fight is motivating for me, but when there’s a world title on the line, it gives me more motivation,” he added. Ford expressed enthusiasm about fighting close to home, noting that many supporters from his community plan to attend. “I feel great. I’m 40 minutes away from home so a lot of my people are coming out here, supporting me. It’s like fighting at home. It’s a great feeling.”

As he reflects on the rich boxing history of the East Coast, Ford cited legendary fighters like ‘Sugar’ Ray Leonard as inspirations. “We got a lot of east-coast guys that are stars in their own right making noise,” he said. “There’s definitely going to be a lot more east-coast fights now.”

Despite the area’s recent inactivity in high-profile boxing events, Ford is optimistic about the future. “The east coast has been neglected for a little bit, but I think it’s starting to heat back up,” he said. “I’m excited for it for sure.”

In preparation for the fight, Ford emphasized the change in his training location and weight class as beneficial. Since moving up and training in Houston, he feels more focused and less distracted. “I’m able to focus more. I’m way more locked in; more sparring out there,” he said. He acknowledged the challenges that come with his opponent, noting Mattice’s durability and experience. “He’s good. He’s durable; tough, strong, and he’s got experience,” Ford stated, adding that while Mattice is adept at using his reach, he also makes mistakes. “His IQ is limited. He makes mistakes.”

Ford plans to maintain a steady approach during the fight, starting with his jab and letting the action develop gradually. “Going in there, starting off with my jab; taking my time, staying calm and relaxed, and let the fight gradually pick up, and take over is how I win,” he concluded.