Ramirez-Espinoza and Xander Zayas-Jorge Fortea will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ Saturday beginning at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT
Cuban sensation and WBO featherweight champ, Robeisy Ramirez, is throwing down the gauntlet against the undefeated Mexican powerhouse, Rafael Espinoza.
Ramirez (13 wins, 1 loss, 8 by KO), fresh off a knockout year under the wise wing of trainer Ismael Salas, is riding high. He’s the guy who sent Eric Donovan, Abraham Nova, and Jose Matias Romero packing, before snatching the WBO featherweight title from Isaac Dogboe. Remember that epic fifth-round TKO against Satoshi Shimizu in July? Yep, that was him, flexing his muscle in the 126-pound division.
Espinoza (21 wins, no losses, 18 KOs), a towering 6’1″ force of nature, is hungry for his first taste of world title glory. He’s not just tall; he’s a knockout machine on a five-fight tear, recently flattening Rafael Rosas Ramirez and Ally Mwerangi. Watch out, world!
In the co-main slobberknocker, Puerto Rican prodigy Xander Zayas goes toe-to-toe with Spain’s own Jorge Fortea in a 10-round junior middleweight showdown.
Zayas (17 wins, no losses, 11 KOs), a Top Rank wunderkind since age 16, has been lighting up the scene since 2019. After dancing through Quincy LaVallais, Alexis Salazar, and Elias Espadas last year, and dispatching Ronald Cruz and Roberto Valenzuela Jr. this year, he’s eyeballing that title shot like a hawk.
Fortea (24 wins, 3 losses, 1 draw, 9 KOs), a savvy 13-year veteran, is fresh off a victory over Ismael Flores. He’s been hoarding wins like a dragon with gold and once wrapped his fists around the WBC Latino 154-pound belt.
And for the early birds, the undercard kicks off at 5:40 p.m. ET on ESPN+, featuring the cream of Top Rank’s crop.
Our commentators? The illustrious Joe Tessitore, the legendary Timothy Bradley, Jr., wordsmith Mark Kriegel, and the ever-eloquent Bernardo Osuna. Tune in, folks, this is going to be one for the history books!
Ramirez, the two-time Olympic gold medalist from Cienfuegos, Cuba, has been on a roll this year. He clinched the WBO featherweight title in April and defended it in July. Meanwhile, his upcoming opponent, Espinoza (21-0, 18 KOs), is no slouch either, with a decade of professional experience under his belt.
Ramirez, fresh from a training session, had this to say with an air of cool confidence:
“The clock’s ticking down to December 9, and it’s time for me to step up and defend my world title against Rafael ‘El Divino’ Espinoza. We all know that Mexicans are born fighters; they don’t just show up, they come to win. That’s why I’m not taking Espinoza lightly – he’s got my undivided attention, and I’ve got nothing but respect for the Mexican fans.”
“I’m pumped to step into the ring in front of my hometown crowd in South Florida. Winning the world championship was a dream come true, and now I get to live another dream: fighting in front of a nearly sold-out crowd. So, if you’re dragging your feet on buying tickets, get a move on! Bring your Cuban flags and get ready to be part of an exciting night for our community.”
“The training for this fight has been as intense as ever, filled with its fair share of hurdles. But that’s just how it is at this level. I’m all fired up to end this year with a bang and chase new goals in 2024, like snagging the unified featherweight champion title.”
Robeisy Ramirez, with eyes on the prize:
“I’m laser-focused on this fight, but hey, I’m also buzzing to defend my title in Miami. My Cuban family will be there, and we’re gonna put on a heck of a show this Saturday!”
“Becoming champ? Totally leveled up my life. It’s all about amping up the training now. Gotta be battle-ready for a hardcore 12-rounder.”
“Tall fighters? No biggie. My strategy? That’s my trainer Ismael Salas’ secret sauce.”
Rafael Espinoza, the towering contender:
“This is the moment every boxer sweats for. I’ve been dreaming of this shot since day one. It’s everything to me.”
“Got height? I use it like a boss. No sweat making weight. Sure, I’ve got the reach, but I’m all about that forward Mexican charge.”
“Those 21 fights? Just stepping stones to this huge shot at the world title.”
Xander Zayas, cool as a cucumber:
“Stoked that Jorge’s coming in hot, ’cause I want the best version of him. Last time, I showed I’m cut out for this. Next fight? Same deal.”
“Anything special about him? Well, he’s got some zip, but I’m not sweating it. I’ve got the edge on speed and strength.”
Jorge Fortea, ready for the rumble:
“This is boxing, anything can go down. I’m super prepped this time – they actually told me about the fight in advance! So, I’m bringing my A-game.”
“Winning this? It’s my ticket up the ladder, gets me more of these top-tier bouts.”
Richard Torrez Jr., the action-lover:
“Love staying busy – reminds me of my amateur days. Five fights in five days? That was my jam. But hey, this is an awesome chance to show off what we’ve been cooking up in training.”
“Eyeing a knockout? If it’s there, I won’t shy away. I’m here to show my skills, and if a punch lands, well, it lands.”
Bruce Carrington, the ring fanatic:
“I’m all in on this fight. But staying busy? That’s my jam. Five fights this year and I’m not slowing down. 2024? Expect more of me, more of what the fans crave.”
“Putting on a show? That’s the game plan. Let’s make these holidays rock!”
When is the Ramirez vs. Espinoza fight?
A: The Ramirez vs. Espinoza fight is set for Saturday, December 9. The broadcast kicks off at 9 p.m. ET (which is 2 a.m. UK time on Sunday). The main event, featuring Ramirez and Espinoza, is expected to start their ringwalks around 11 p.m. ET (4:00 a.m. UK time on Sunday). Keep in mind, these times might shift a bit depending on how long the earlier fights last.
Q: What channel can I watch the Ramirez vs. Espinoza fight on?
A: In the U.S., the fight will be aired live on ESPN+. For fans in the UK, you can catch it on Sky Sports.
Q: Where’s the fight happening?
A: The showdown takes place at the Charles F. Dodge City Center in Pembroke Pines, Florida.
Q: Can you tell me a bit about Robeisy Ramirez?
A: Sure! Ramirez is a Cuban boxer born on December 20, 1993. He stands at 5′ 5″ with a 68″ reach. So far, he’s had 14 total fights, with a record of 13 wins (8 by knockout) and 1 loss.
Q: How about Rafael Espinoza? What’s his record?
A: Espinoza hails from Mexico, born on April 21, 1994. He’s a bit taller at 6′ 1″, but his reach isn’t disclosed. His record is impressive – undefeated in 21 fights, with 18 of those wins by knockout.
Q: What’s on the undercard for the Ramirez vs. Espinoza fight night?
A: The undercard’s got some exciting fights lined up:
Coming to You Live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT:
- The Main Event: Robeisy Ramirez vs. Rafael Espinoza
- Weights: Ramirez at a lean 125.6 lbs, Espinoza just behind at 125.3 lbs
- Stakes: Battling for Ramirez’s WBO Featherweight World Title
- Duration: A thrilling 12-round face-off
- The Power Clash: Xander Zayas vs. Jorge Fortea
- Weights: Zayas tips at 153.6 lbs, Fortea a close 153.7 lbs
- Category: Junior Middleweight
- Rounds: 10 rounds of intense action
But Wait, There’s More! Early Bouts on ESPN+ starting at 5:40 p.m. ET/2:40 p.m. PT:
- Featherweight Frenzy: Bruce Carrington vs. Jason Sanchez
- Weights: Carrington at 125.8 lbs, Sanchez at 125.7 lbs
- Rounds: 10 rounds of featherweight fury
- Heavyweight Havoc: Richard Torrez Jr. vs. Curtis Harper
- Weights: Torrez Jr. a solid 230.8 lbs, Harper a hefty 273.9 lbs
- Rounds: 8 rounds of heavyweight power
- Junior Middleweight Joust: Jahi Tucker vs. Francisco Daniel Veron
- Weights: Tucker at 155.2 lbs, Veron at 155.1 lbs
- Rounds: 8 rounds of tactical warfare
- Junior Welterweight Warfare: Rohan Polanco vs. Keith Hunter
- Weights: Polanco at 142.9 lbs, Hunter at 139.3 lbs
- Rounds: 8 rounds of strategic battle
- Tiger in the Ring: Tiger Johnson vs. Jimmer Espinosa
- Weights: Johnson at 141.6 lbs, Espinosa at 141.2 lbs
- Rounds: 8 rounds of junior welterweight action
- Heavyweight Showdown: Damian Knyba vs. Michael Coffie
- Weights: Knyba at a towering 264.1 lbs, Coffie at a massive 290.9 lbs
- Rounds: 8 rounds of ground-shaking action