The highly anticipated second matchup between Cuban boxer Robeisy Ramírez and Mexican Rafael Espinoza lived up to expectations as an intense fight, but it ended controversially on December 7 in Arizona, United States.
Espinoza, known as "El Divino," retained the WBO featherweight championship with a technical knockout in the sixth round, after an eye injury forced "El Tren" Ramírez to withdraw from the fight, despite leading on the judges' scorecards.
The fight began with an early dominance from the Cuban. During the first three rounds, the two-time Olympic champion (London 2012 and Rio de Janeiro 2016) showcased his technique and landed precise punches, including a powerful left hook that made his opponent stagger.
However, the reigning champion adjusted his strategy in the fourth round, pressing more effectively in an attempt to close the distance.
In fact, in the fifth round, Espinoza gained the support of the audience with a slightly more aggressive style that unsettled the Cuban fighter, who, however, maintained a strong stance and effectively executed his strategy.
Everything changed at the start of the sixth round. A clean right hand from Espinoza prompted Ramírez to notify the referee of his inability to continue. Although the scorecards favored the Cuban 48-47 from two of the three judges, with the third scoring it 49-46 for the Mexican, the fight was ultimately decided by the injury.
After the match concluded, the fighter from Cienfuegos attributed the issue to a supposed elbow strike that was not penalized by the referee: "It wasn't a punch; it was an elbow straight to the eye. It's impossible to continue under those conditions."
Undoubtedly, the swelling in his right eye was evident. Furthermore, the representative from the largest of the Antilles emphasized the importance of maintaining one's health: "You can't compete at the highest level with double vision."
For his part, the Aztec dismissed the accusations: "I just did my job. I hit him cleanly, and I think he felt my punch. This proves that I'm ready to be a legend of Mexican boxing."
In this way, the loser finished with a record of 14 wins, three losses, and nine knockouts, while the titleholder boasts an unbeaten record of 26 victories, 22 of them before the limit, solidifying his status as one of the most promising fighters in his division.
The controversy is likely to fuel expectations for a potential trilogy, although Ramírez has made it clear that he will first assess his recovery before considering a new matchup. For now, Espinoza remains the undisputed king of the featherweight division.
Frequently asked questions about the controversial fight between Robeisy Ramírez and Rafael Espinoza.
How did the fight between Robeisy Ramírez and Rafael Espinoza end?
The fight ended with a technical knockout in favor of Rafael Espinoza in the sixth round due to an eye injury suffered by Robeisy Ramírez, which forced him to withdraw from the bout despite having the lead on two of the three judges' scorecards.
Why was the fight between Ramírez and Espinoza controversial?
The controversy arose when Robeisy Ramírez accused Rafael Espinoza of causing his eye injury with an unpenalized elbow strike by the referee, which affected his ability to continue in the fight. Espinoza denied the allegations, stating that it was a clean hit.
Will there be a third fight between Robeisy Ramírez and Rafael Espinoza?
Although a trilogy is possible, Robeisy Ramírez has stated that he will first assess his recovery before considering another matchup with Espinoza. The controversy surrounding the fight could heighten expectations for a new encounter.
What is the fight history of Robeisy Ramírez and Rafael Espinoza?
Robeisy Ramírez has 14 wins, 9 of which are by knockout, and 3 losses. Meanwhile, Rafael Espinoza maintains an undefeated record of 26 victories, 22 by knockout, solidifying his position as one of the most promising fighters in his division.
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