Ford is an offensive-style boxer who can hold his own even against one of the division’s leaders, Nick Ball. A small, technical southpaw who constantly pursues his opponent and looks to combine in exchanges and at mid-range.

Mattice, on the other hand, makes use of his physical dimensions. When fighting shorter opponents, he often doesn’t try to pressure them from a distance but methodically retreats, countering with sharp, well-placed punches, capitalizing on his reach.

Mattice is eight years older — he’s 34. But both fighters are experienced.

Ford has shared the ring with Nick Ball, while Mattice has faced Isaac Cruz. Raymond also met Otabek Kholmatov and snatched victory in the closing seconds. Thomas fought Eduardo Hernandez but lost via technical decision due to a cut caused by a headbutt.

Ford can crank up the activity from the opening rounds and not let his opponent breathe until the final bell. That’s a fundamental difference from Mattice, who prefers short, sharp counters and precision rather than volume.

Last year was one of the best in Ford’s career. Three fights: a wild war against Kholmatov, a close contest against Ball which he lost, and a confident win over Gonzalez.

Mattice, on the other hand, fought only once last year — and for just six rounds. That fight ended early due to a cut, and the judges had to go to the scorecards.

This is perhaps the main characteristic of Mattice that Ford must account for. In his last five victories, Thomas knocked out four opponents. There’s every chance of getting caught by a counter.

The question is whether Raymond can shake the physically larger opponent himself — that remains open.

Ford went the full 12 rounds against Ball and didn’t go down. He took punishment and was trailing against Kholmatov but remained on his feet.

On the other side, he’s facing a man who has four defeats — but all of them came by decision.

This will be the first fight in Atlantic City for both boxers. No arena advantage, no hometown factor, no familiar crowd. Just boxing.

Ford is on the rise. His close contest with Ball and his all-out war with Kholmatov, which was named Fight of the Year, earned him well-deserved attention. Now, he simply must keep winning to climb the rankings and secure title fights.

Mattice is returning after a defeat, though it likely didn’t affect him much. He boxed calmly against Hernandez but was unlucky to be behind on the cards by the halfway point. A victory now would not only bring him back to where he was but immediately elevate him further.

However, holding back Ford’s relentless pressure will be an extremely difficult task.