Rafael “El Divino” Espinoza and Robeisy “El Tren” Ramirez thrilled followers with a Battle of the Yr contender final December, and each look to select up the place their dramatic twelfth spherical left off of their December 7 rematch at Phoenix’s Footprint Heart.
Espinoza (25-0, 21 KOs) edged Ramirez through majority choice to seize the WBO featherweight world title in ESPN’s Upset of the Yr. From the time ring announcer Mark Shunock stated “AND NEW,” a rematch appeared inevitable.
Nevertheless, each males returned in June with totally different dance companions. Espinoza dispatched Sergio Chirino in simply 4 rounds in his first title protection, whereas Ramirez (14-2, 9 KOs) returned one week later to blast out Brandon Benitez with a blinding uppercut within the seventh spherical.
Espinoza, a 6-foot-1 Mexican phenom, needs to show that his first victory was no fluke. Ramirez, a two-time Cuban Olympic gold medalist, is set to reclaim his throne after private struggles impacted his efficiency of their preliminary encounter.
Espinoza skilled at residence in Guadalajara, whereas Ramirez held camp in Las Vegas. That is what they needed to say forward of Half II.
Rafael Espinoza
“I do know it is going to be a battle. And it’ll assist that I can battle towards any model of Ramirez. I’ll be prepared whether or not he needs to battle at a detailed vary or from a distance. Like I stated earlier than the primary battle, I’m not leaving with out the title.”
“I’m making ready for one of the best model of Ramirez as a result of I do know that’s who I’ll face on battle night time. And that’s precisely what I need. I need him at his finest so there received’t be doubts or excuses after I win.”
“My confidence has grown. My mentality, strategy to coaching, and dedication have all modified. I’m 3 times extra dedicated than within the first battle, and I believe I confirmed that towards Chirino. I need to show it once more towards Ramirez.”
“I do know I’ve to remain fully centered on this battle. I made a mistake the primary time, and it price me. So, we’re specializing in being one hundred pc concentrated as a result of dropping focus is straightforward once you get comfy within the ring. I can’t afford to lose focus for even a second. That will probably be a key distinction on this battle.”
“My high precedence is to defeat Ramirez on December 7. After that, we’ll see who I can unify with. For now, my sole focus is thrashing Ramirez.”
Robeisy Ramirez
“In camp, my father acquired actually sick. He virtually handed away. That affected me so much. My father is in Cuba, and I can’t return. I couldn’t go to him within the hospital. So, that affected me vastly.”
“That was not one of the best model of me within the first battle. And regardless of that, I used to be nonetheless in a position to ship an incredible present. So, I don’t doubt the second battle will probably be higher.”
“He didn’t shock me within the first battle. Everyone knows how Mexican fighters are. They by no means hand over. However, given my private points, I used to be not in one of the best situation. However, if the judges noticed that he deserved the choice, that’s tremendous.”
“I’ve characterised myself as a fighter who will get up each time he’s knocked down. I’ve a champion mentality and will probably be a champion once more.”
“Everybody is aware of that I’m a warrior. And I’ve the Cuban faculty of boxing. However because the Mexicans say, I even have the huevos to face within the heart of the ring and go to battle.”
“A victory would put me the place I belong. We’ve got to see how this battle will unfold, however unification showdowns and fights towards one of the best of the division are all the time on the desk.”
The Emanuel Navarrete-Oscar Valdez II junior light-weight world title showdown and Espinoza-Ramirez co-feature will probably be broadcast reside on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT. Sky Sports activities may have protection within the U.Ok. and Eire.
Promoted by Prime Rank, tickets are on sale now through Ticketmaster.com.
