Boxing Match Recap
The 28-1 Jose Carlos Ramirez was looking to impress his fellow Californians on Saturday night when he battled the 30-2-1 Rances Barthelemy at the Save Mart Arena in Fresno. It was the first fight in over a year for Ramirez, who was once junior welterweight world champion and was now aiming to return to the top of the heap. The veteran Barthelemy, on the other hand, was looking to shake things up by proving he was more than a fighter past his prime. The fight was scheduled for twelve rounds.
Ramirez stalked his man in the first while working the body. Barthelemy landed low in the second but Ramirez appeared unhurt. In fact, Ramirez kept applying pressure throughout the chapter and chopping away at his opponent, particularly to the body. By the third it was clear Ramirez was looking to end the fight early, for he continuously threw with bad intentions. Barthelemy however, held on strong, looking for opportunities and saving energy.
Barthelemy had a moment to shine later in the round, unleashing a barrage on Ramirez, sending him to the mat. Despite Barthelemy's continued assault on Ramirez while he was down, the referee ruled that Ramirez was pushed. Barthelemy came out strong again at the end of the round, with Ramirez appearing to be in danger of being stopped. In the fourth round, Barthelemy once again rocked Ramirez, but Ramirez showed resilience by continuing to press forward and attack.
The intensity carried into the fifth round, with Ramirez staying aggressive. Barthelemy was less active in the sixth but still managed to connect with his straight left. As the fight progressed into the seventh, it was evident that this was turning into a thrilling battle. While both fighters showed signs of fatigue in the eighth, they remained fully engaged in the high-energy contest. Barthelemy seemed hesitant to increase his activity in the ninth, a choice that could have consequences later in the fight.
As the bout entered the tenth round, the pace slowed down significantly as both fighters looked to pick their shots carefully. Ramirez ramped up his output in the eleventh, while Barthelemy, sporting a swollen face, searched for a decisive blow. However, by the end of the round, Ramirez began to dominate, prompting the referee to warn that the fight could be stopped if Barthelemy didn't respond to the incoming punishment.
The Battle of Barthelemy vs Ramirez
In the final round of the intense match, Barthelemy, despite being visibly worn out, fought on with determination. He managed to land a few powerful left punches before the bell signaled the end of the fight. Ramirez, on the other hand, stood his ground throughout the round. The judges' decision ultimately favored Ramirez, with scores of 119-109, 119-109, and 118-110.
Images: Golden Boy
