Shocking moment American boxer Ray Ford is thrown out of the ring by opponent in bitter world-title fight

Boxing star Ray Ford was sent flying out of the ring in his world super-featherweight title defeat to O'Shaquie Foster on Saturday night.

In the opening round of their grudge match at Fertitta Center in Houston, Texas, Foster threw a one-two combination to the head and body before grabbing hold of Ford, who quickly spun around in a bid to avoid a clinch.

Yet as he did so, the New Jersey fighter was launched towards the ropes and out of the ring by his bitter rival.

Ford, who previously enjoyed a short reign as WBA featherweight champion, fell flat on his stomach before promoter Eddie Hearn tried to help him back up.

He quickly returned to his feet before heading back into the ring, with the referee having words with both men and resuming the fight.

Controversially, Foster somehow avoided a point deduction from the official despite appearing to throw Ford out of the ring himself.

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Though in the end that surprising call proved irrelevant, as Foster retained his WBC super-featherweight crown via majority decision (118-110, 116-112, 114-114) after dominating the championship rounds of the contest.

The 32-year-old was arguably trailing at the middle stage of the bout, before demonstrating his superior experience and stamina by taking over in the latter stages.

By the time the final bell sounded, there could only be one winner on the judges' scorecards.

Ford, in his fourth fight up at 130lbs, appeared to suffer from the added weight as he slowed down in the second half of the bout and allowed Foster to build momentum.

Following his victory, Foster became embroiled in a heated dispute with pound-for-pound star Shakur Stevenson, who joined him in the ring after the fight.

Stevenson, considered by most as one of the top five fighters on the planet, recently picked up a world title in his fourth weight class after dethroning WBO super-lightweight champion Teofimo Lopez.