Author: Sean Close
Rafael Espinoza, with an undefeated record of 21-0, took on the defending WBO featherweight champion LoBaci Ramirez, who had a record of 13-1, in the headline event of an ESPN card broadcast live from Pembroke Pines, Florida on Saturday night. The height difference was notable, with Espinoza standing at 6 feet 1 inch and Ramirez at 5 feet 6 inches. In the opening round, Ramirez managed to land some solid hits, but Espinoza took charge in the second round, putting pressure on the defending champion.
Despite Espinoza’s height and reach advantage, it was his speed that proved to be the deciding factor in the third round. Both fighters continued to exchange blows in an intense fourth round. Ramirez managed to knock down Espinoza with a right hook in the fifth round, but Espinoza survived and continued to fight. Despite a slip in the sixth round and further pressure from Ramirez, Espinoza demonstrated resilience and determination.
In the ninth round, Ramirez found himself on the defensive, and the action slowed down in the 10th round. Espinoza’s relentless attacking continued in the 11th round, and both fighters showcased their skills in the final round. With less than a minute remaining, Ramirez was knocked down by a flurry of punches from Espinoza but managed to get back up and finish the round.
After the final bell, the underdog challenger Espinoza emerged victorious, claiming the WBO featherweight title, much to the surprise of the judges.
