On February 28th, the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona, will host a pivotal clash in the welterweight division. Undefeated Tahmir Smalls of Philadelphia will step up against a top contender, Abel Ramos. This fight marks a return to the ring for Ramos (28-6-3, 22 KOs) after a draw in a WBC championship bid against Mario Barrios in November 2024. Now 34 years old, the Arizona native knows that a win over the rising, undefeated Smalls would instantly thrust Ramos back into the world title conversation. Known for his punching power and crowd-pleasing, action-heavy style, Ramos will enjoy hometown support from fans traveling from nearby Phoenix. “I’m ready to put on a great show for my people,” Ramos said during the opening press conference.

 

Smalls (16-0, 11 KOs) enters the bout following a 2025 campaign in which he notched four victories, including last October when he scored  a clear unanimous decision over Jose Roman Vazquez. Smalls’ speed and hunger will be his primary weapons as he looks to overwhelm a veteran who has shared the ring with the division’s elite. However, Ramos brings a level of experience Smalls has yet to face. His ability to absorb punishment and land meaningful power shots in close-quarters exchanges could tip the scales if the fight stretches into the later rounds.