Champion in the Final Seconds!

In a thrilling showdown in Verona, USA, Uzbek fighter Otabek Kholmatov (12-1, 11 KOs) faced American Raymond Ford (15-0-1, 8 KOs) for the vacant WBA featherweight title (up to 57.2 kg).

Throughout the fight, the American landed heavy blows, with his opponent teetering on the brink of a knockout several times but continuing to fight. However, with just 7 seconds left in the contest, the referee halted the bout as Kholmatov failed to respond to his opponent's strikes. Ford secured the victory by technical knockout in the 12th round.

At the time of the stoppage, Kholmatov was ahead on two of the judges' scorecards, 106-103, while the third judge had Ford leading 105-104.

This battle marked the first title fight for both Kholmatov and Ford. The belt, now held by Raymond Ford, was previously owned by Leigh Wood, who vacated it after moving up in weight class.