In a cagey, low-key battle befitting the environment in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, tremendous lightweights Jose Ramirez and Arnold Barboza struggled to get going at any level through the 10 rounds they shared.
Of the 2, it was Barboza who confirmed somewhat extra management and in the end gained extra of the rounds, taking a unanimous choice by scores of 97-93, 96-94 and 96-94.
Boxing neatly on the again foot, Barboza demonstrated composure beneath stress and used his jab to good impact, particularly early. The primary three rounds, in reality, all belonged to Barboza and it wasn’t till spherical 4 that Ramirez launched and landed any type of significant assault. He then adopted this temporary interval of success with a stable proper hand in spherical 5, however nonetheless Barboza remained calm beneath hearth and nonetheless he refused to be dragged right into a brawl.
For so long as he stayed disciplined, Barboza clearly had the instruments to dictate the tempo and hold the battle at his type of vary. He moved properly, he countered properly, and he appeared properly on his technique to profitable as they entered the ultimate spherical.
“You want one thing large,” Ramirez was advised by his coach, Robert Garcia, earlier than spherical 10, however no matter was wanted, whether or not large or small, by no means got here. As an alternative, Barboza, now 31-0 (11), produced the cleaner work within the remaining spherical, together with proper hand with 30 seconds left within the battle, and a intelligent reverse one-two within the remaining 10 seconds, which buckled Ramirez’s legs.
“This can be a very long time coming,” mentioned Barboza afterwards. “I’ve been ready for alternatives like this. This was my championship battle, man. On a regular basis we spent collectively, with the identical promoter, it by no means occurred. This can be a battle that I’ve been wanting.
“I’d love a title shot. I’m 31-0 now and I feel I’m the one man within the high 5 who hasn’t bought a shot. Any belt, it doesn’t matter.”
