Raymond Ford probably doesn't notice it, but he places a ton of pressure on himself.
It’s what he always does. He talks a big game, and more often than not, he backs it up. Yet, even with a
clear win over Abraham Nova this past weekend in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Ford wasn’t happy with his performance.
“I didn’t really like it too much,” Ford told
The Ring.
Ford elaborated on what he felt he did wrong.
“I allowed him to rough it up a little bit, and I kind of fought into his game,” he said. "I was also trying to force a big shot to get a knockout, but it’s a learning experience. I’m a get better from this and I’m a learn.”
Although he didn’t show out, a win is a win. Now, the New Jersey native is hoping to get his hands on one of the champions at 130 pounds.
Ford (18-1-1, 8 KOs) isn’t picky, but he wants to fight
O’Shaquie Foster, the division’s WBC beltholder.
If Foster isn’t available, Ford is willing to face anyone with a title. The problem, however, is he doesn't believe the feeling is mutual.
Considering that he didn’t look as smooth as he normally does, Ford is hoping to turn that negative into a positive.
“I’m hoping they look at this performance and create some confidence to get up in there with me,” he said. “I’m a be world champion again real soon.”
Ford won the WBA featherweight title from Otabek Kholmatov last year before losing it in his first defense to Nick Ball and moving up in weight to junior lightweight.