Boxing is a peculiar sport. Superior technical skills often prove insufficient to dominate without an extraordinary capacity for endurance and resilience. Last night, Cuban fighter Robeisy Ramirez lacked the heart of a champion: he unexpectedly retired at the beginning of the sixth round, leaving the audience at Phoenix’s Footprint Center puzzled. This turn of events benefited WBO featherweight champion Rafael Espinoza, who retained his belt and undefeated record, securing victory in one of the most anticipated bouts of the Top Rank event.
The match began favorably for the challenger, who used swift footwork and his southpaw stance to land jabs and occasional body shots, comfortably winning the first two rounds. This performance was particularly encouraging compared to a year ago, when Ramirez appeared troubled by Espinoza’s pressure from the opening bell.
The champion, initially slow and calculated in the center of the ring, began to increase his pace in the closing moments of the second round. However, his early offensive flurries did not produce the desired effect. Instead, the Cuban showcased his brilliance in a masterful third round, utilizing precise dodges and counters to land sharp left hands to Espinoza’s face.
Yet Rafael Espinoza is one of those fighters who erode their opponents’ resolve and confidence with relentless forward pressure. The Mexican absorbed Ramirez’s best punches unfazed, as if made of rubber, and pressed on without reprieve.
By the fourth round, Ramirez’s demeanor began to shift. His work rate declined significantly, and for two rounds, he focused almost entirely on damage control, dodging and parrying the champion’s attacks without mounting an effective counteroffensive. Although Espinoza did not deliver a memorable beating during those six minutes, his initiative clearly outshone the challenger’s.
At the end of the fifth round, Ramirez returned to his corner, pointing to his right eye and stating, “I can’t see.” While the eye showed mild swelling, it appeared sufficiently open for vision. Nonetheless, Ramirez evidently felt unable to continue with this handicap, as he raised his hand and turned away at the start of the sixth round, signaling his surrender.
Espinoza’s team erupted in celebration as the Mexican improved his record to 26 wins, with 22 coming by knockout. Meanwhile, cameras focused on Ramirez, who justified his decision by reiterating his earlier complaint.
Commenting on such situations is always delicate. On one hand, a boxer’s right to quit is undeniable, and anyone feeling physically unfit to continue should prioritize their health over risking their well-being to please the crowd.
On the other hand, it’s hard not to recall the countless warriors of the ring who have fought through severe injuries by summoning their last reserves of strength. Without citing extreme cases like Danny Williams, who once fought and knocked out Mark Potter with only his left arm while his right hung limp, there are recent examples of fighters enduring impaired vision to continue their bouts.
Less than a month ago, Amanda Serrano earned universal praise for battling Katie Taylor with grit and ferocity despite a severe and bloody cut near her eye. By contrast, Ramirez is now facing harsh criticism for turning his back on his opponent during a critical moment.
Personally, I reserve judgment. Some injuries are more severe than they appear, and we cannot rule out the possibility that Ramirez suffered an orbital fracture, risking permanent damage if he continued to take blows to the compromised eye. While Ramirez did not demonstrate the “heart of a champion” on this occasion, we should not mock or attack him. Excessive public criticism of fighters who choose to quit could pressure others into reckless decisions.
As for the winner, Espinoza likely didn’t expect to retain his title so easily, especially given the intensity and difficulty of their first encounter, where he narrowly avoided defeat. It will be intriguing to see how long Espinoza remains in the featherweight division. Given his remarkable height for the weight class, a move up seems inevitable. A potential all-Mexican showdown with super featherweight champion Emanuel Navarrete—who also triumphed spectacularly in last night’s event—could turn into an unforgettable war.