Photo: Lance Pugmire
Rafael Espinoza (26-0, 22 KOs) defended his WBO featherweight title for the second time, this time against the man he won it from last year, Robeisy Ramirez, with a TKO6 on Saturday night in Phoenix, AZ. Ramirez waved off the fight himself just after the start of the sixth round due to double vision in his right eye.
Espinoza was coming on after a slow start in the first two rounds where Ramirez was able to have success with constant movement and rapid fire attacks on the inside before moving away. Espinoza stepped up the action in round three and slowed Ramirez’ progress the rest of the way.
Ramirez claimed the double vision was caused by an elbow in the previous round. ESPN+ was unable to find a clear blow from Espinoza’s elbow landing, but the champion was warned a couple of times in the fight. The Ramirez camp made an issue of elbow fouls not being called and it was definitely under scrutiny in this fight.
But with the fight going Espinoza’s way as round six began, a clean right hand to Ramirez’ right eye prompted the challenger to wave a glove as he walked away. Official time of the stoppage was :12 of round six.
There’s a debate to be had over whether or not Ramirez is damaged goods now, stuck with the label of “quitter.” The decision to continue or not is certainly his and he appears to have chosen long-term health over the glory of staying the course and either winning ultimately, or losing valiantly.
Plenty of other boxers have earned the “warrior” label for staying in the fight. It’s honorable and the legend attached to it is well deserved. I have no problem with Robeisy Ramirez waving it off. He’s a very talented fighter but he’s also a smart guy. Eyesight is precious. If the double vision was going to clear on it’s own, I don’t care. The guy chose to protect something far more valuable than his reputation. I’m fine with it.
Meanwhile, Rafael Espinoza is going to be a tough out as a 6′ 1″ featherweight.
Here’s my round-by-round report:
RD1 – Slow round but Ramirez steady throughout, working the body. No big shots for either, Espinoza slow starting. 10-9 Ramirez
RD2 – Slow round until a good exchange near the end. Ramirez controlling the pace with movement and getting body shots in consistently. Espinoza not able to get an attack going until he got a good right hand in with about 10 seconds left. 10-9 Ramirez, 20-18 Ramirez
RD3 – Better action, some big shots by both. Espinoza came on with a more dedicated attack behind the jab. Ramirez clipped him with some counters and rocked him with a left in the last minute. Good exchange down the stretch. 10-9 Espinoza, 29-28 Ramirez
RD4 – Ramirez still moving but not punching as much. Espinoza getting it going. Single big counters from Ramirez getting in but Espinoza’s outworking him. 10-9 Espinoza, 38-38.
RD5 – Pattern continues. Espinoza pressing and throwing, Ramirez moving, isolated big shots coming back. ESPN has Ramirez up 3-1 after 4 but I see the fight going away from him. 10-9 Espinoza, 48-47 Espinoza.
RD6 – Ramirez quits in the opening seconds. Told referee he has double vision in his right eye. Ramirez told his corner in between rounds he couldn’t see, his corner told him go out for round six and see what he can do. He took a right hand directly on the eye and waved it off. Official time – :12 of round six.
Espinoza 26-0, 22 KOs.
Ramirez 14-3, 9 KOs
