ATLANTIC CITY – Raymond Ford wants victory on Saturday over Thomas Mattice to lead to the world-title fight he believes can contribute to rebuilding the fight scene on the east coast.

The 26-year-old Ford has been told that in the event of him defeating Mattice, the winner of the coming IBF junior-lightweight title fight between Eduardo “Sugar” Nunez of Mexico and Japan’s Masanori Rikiishi could be his next opponent. 

Ford-Mattice represents the chief support to the IBF and WBA welterweight title fight between Jaron “Boots” Ennis and Eimantas Stanionis at Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall. Ennis’ past two fights have been in his nearby home city of Philadelphia; Ford’s home is Camden, New Jersey; on the same undercard the promising junior middleweight Omari Jones – of Orlando, Florida – fights William Jackson.

That Newark’s Shakur Stevenson is, like Ennis, Ford and Jones also promoted by Matchroom – who typically favour showcasing fighters in their home cities – suggests that there will be further, similar opportunities for lower-profile fighters, particularly if on Saturday Ennis, Ford, Jones and more succeed.

Ford cited the great “Sugar” Ray Leonard as among his favourite fighters from the east coast, and he told BoxingScene: “The initial plan is to get this fight out the way. Then hopefully ‘Sugar’ Nunez wins his world-title fight, and then we can make something happen between me and Sugar Nunez.  Every fight is motivating for me, but when there’s a world title on the line, it gives me more motivation.

“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.

“We got a lot of east-coast guys that are stars in their own right making noise. We gonna be having a lot more shows on the east coast – New York, Philly, Jersey, wherever. There’s definitely going to be a lot more east-coast fights now.

“[Shakur Stevenson is] another one – he could get a fight up over in Jersey too.

“[The east coast has been neglected] for a little bit, but I think it’s starting to heat back up and it’ll get better. I’m excited for it. I’m excited for it for sure. Wasn’t Floyd [Mayweather] and [Arturo] Gatti here? That’s one that stands out, for sure.”

The irony of Ford having prepared in Houston, Texas to fight the 34-year-old Mattice is not lost on him, but Ford’s defeat by England’s Nick Ball – the only one of his career – in 2024 encouraged him not only to move up in weight, but to avoid the “distractions” that exist closer to home.

“It’s great,” he said. “I’m able to focus more. I’m way more locked in; more sparring out there. That’s where you’re able to see me at my best – when I’m away from home. 

“There’s more distractions at home. I can get into it a lot more. I know where everything’s at. There’s just too many distractions.

“The new weight is good – it’s great. I’m making it a lot more easier, and I’m able to do a lot more through not being drained. It’s a lot better. Absolutely [I wished I’d done it earlier]. Definitely.

“[Mattice is] good. He’s durable; tough, strong, and he’s got experience. He’s got a good jab; he knows how to stay on the outside and use his range; he knows how to be a dog.

“[But] his IQ is limited. He makes mistakes. 

“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].”