Pair of undefeated 126-pound prospects from Cuba and Mexico can't settle national score in 10-round battle Tuesday night in Sin City.
Barthelemy vs Ramirez Highlights: September 26, 2017
When two unbeaten fighters meet, the old adage is that "somebody's 0 has got to go." Tuesday night on Fox Sports 1, that wasn't quite the case as 126-pound prospects Leduan Barthelemy and Eduardo Ramirez fought to a split draw in the main event at the Cannery Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The Cuban Barthelemy (13-0-1, 7 knockouts) tried utilizing his reach early on but was bullied into a fight more often than he would have like. At 5'11", Barthelemy is extremely tall for the 126-pound weight class and has proven an effective boxer against lesser competition.
The 24-year-old Mexican Ramirez (20-0-3, 7 KOs) has faced the stiffer competition in the pro ranks, having already knocked off a couple of unbeaten prospects. Barthelemy built an early lead but by the mid rounds, Ramirez's pressing of the action evened things up. The sixth round was Ramirez's biggest, as he dominated the action and had Barthelemy backing up with no response.
"I wanted to pressure him all the way through and take away his reach advantage," Ramirez said. "I felt good the whole fight and he never hurt me at any point. I believed in my skills and I performed well."
“ I would definitely fight him again. I'll be ready for another great battle and I'll get the clear victory this time. ” Unbeaten 126-pound prospect Leduan Barthelemy
Barthelemy turned the tide a bit as Ramirez tired out from going for it in the middle rounds.
But as is often the case when two unbeaten fighters meet and the fight plays out closely, the two went for broke in the final round.
Patricia Morse Jarman saw the fight 97-93 in favor of Barthelemy, while Richard Ocasio scored it 96-94 for Ramirez. Tim Cheatham scored it 95-95, allowing both fighters to continue to call themselves undefeated for another day.
"It was a very tough, physical fight for both of us," said Barthelemy, whose older brother is two-division world champion Rances Barthelemy.
"I didn't feel 100 percent but I was able to work through it and I never felt hurt during the fight. He landed on me but I was able to keep my composure."
It was the kind of bout that should allow for a rematch, and it sounds as if both guys are up for another go around.
"I would definitely fight him again," said Barthelemy. "I'll be ready for another great battle and I'll get the clear victory this time."
Ramirez countered: "I thought that I won the fight, it was a close fight but I believe that I did what I had to do to win. I would fight him again and beat him even worse."
For a complete look at Barthelemy vs Ramirez, visit our fight page.
