Super featherweight Raymond Ford (18-1, 8 KOs) used his clever defensive skills to edge a game Abraham Nova (24-4, 17 KOs), winning a 10-round unanimous decision on Saturday night at the ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Ford struggled with Nova’s constant attacking style in the first six rounds, getting out-hit and worked over on the inside. The Puerto Rico-born Nova’s punching power and inside fighting ability were a nightmare for Ford. The American didn’t possess the pop in his shots to match the shots from Nova.
The judges’ scores were 96-94, 97-93, and 97-93.
Nova got the better of the action with his power through the first seven rounds, appearing to win all the rounds. Ford had no power and was holding on like mad. The holding being done by Eddie Hearn-promoted Ford should have resulted in warnings and punishment from the referee, but he allowed it.
Nova turned it on in the 10th round, loading up on every punch, dominating Ford, who looked overmatched and depleted from the punishment he’d absorbed. Ford couldn’t do anything in this round.
The DAZN commenting team was embarrassingly bad, giving an unclear picture of the fight. They made it seem like Ford was dominating every round, which wasn’t what was happening.
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA. AUGUST 16: Fight Night at the ANB Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on the 16th August 2025. ESports World Cup. Headlining the event are heavyweight’s Dillian Whyte v Moses Itauma. Queensberry Promotions. Credit: Leigh Dawney/QueensberryRIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA. AUGUST 16: Fight Night at the ANB Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on the 16th August 2025. ESports World Cup. Headlining the event are heavyweight’s Dillian Whyte v Moses Itauma. Queensberry Promotions. Credit: Leigh Dawney/QueensberryRIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA. AUGUST 16: Fight Night at the ANB Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on the 16th August 2025. ESports World Cup. Headlining the event are heavyweight’s Dillian Whyte v Moses Itauma. Queensberry Promotions. Credit: Leigh Dawney/QueensberryRIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA. AUGUST 16: Fight Night at the ANB Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on the 16th August 2025. ESports World Cup. Headlining the event are heavyweight’s Dillian Whyte v Moses Itauma. Queensberry Promotions. Credit: Leigh Dawney/QueensberryRIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA. AUGUST 16: Fight Night at the ANB Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on the 16th August 2025. ESports World Cup. Headlining the event are heavyweight’s Dillian Whyte v Moses Itauma. Queensberry Promotions. Credit: Leigh Dawney/Queensberry
