Ford is the new WBA featherweight world championCredit: Ed Mulholland/Matchroom

The fight began with momentum in Kholmatov’s favour as he controlled the early rounds.

The dangerous 12-0 (11 KOs) Uzbek was the favourite heading into the bout and seen by many as an avoided fighter in the division.

However, Ford was also undefeated at 15-0-1 and impressively weathered the early storm.

While other opponents in the past have wilted under Kholmatov’s pressure, Ford stood strong and battled back.

The American was nailed by repeated hard punches and occasionally hurt, but never touched the canvas.

Remarkably in round eight, he nailed his Uzbek opponent back and seized control, hurting him in return for the first time.

The pair battled back and forth with Kholmatov seemingly coming on strong in round 11, then all hell broke loose in the final three minutes.

Knowing he was likely narrowly losing, Ford gave round 12 his all and somehow found a right uppercut which staggered his opponent once again and changed the fight completely.

It was an incredible finish to the fightCredit: Ed Mulholland/Matchroom

Hearn was over the moon with the resultCredit: Ed Mulholland/Matchroom

Kholmatov dropped to the canvas a few moments later, but this was not ruled a knockdown.

When he arose, he had little left to give.

As the clock ticked down, Ford forgot about the previous 35 minutes and fought as though this one was the first of the fight.

The young American hurled combinations at Kholmatov, who attempted to run away, but tripped and fell into the ropes, turning his back and allowing Ford to hit him again.

At this point, with just seven seconds left on the clock, referee Charlie Fitch stopped the fight.

Indeed, after the finish, it was revealed that Ford was behind 106-103, 104-105, 106-103 on the scorecards beforehand.

There was debate over the stoppage as some claimed a knockdown could have been called instead of a knockout with Kholmatov held up by the ropes.

However, others insisted that he had nothing left and the fight was rightly ended.

Ford celebrated wildly with his promoter Hearn and will now move up in weight for his next fight.