Eduardo Ramirez TKO4 Leduan Barthelemy... Mexican Eduardo Ramirez, 126.5 lbs., of Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico, met Las Vegas-based Cuban Leduan Barthelemy, 127, in a rematch of their 2017 draw. Since their initial encounter, Barthelemy had earned two victories on points earlier this year, while fellow southpaw Ramirez won two of four outings, which included a losing bid for the IBF featherweight title against Lee Selby in December 2017. Styles make fights and the flow of this contest benefited the heavy-hitting Ramirez, who applied pressure from the outset to cut the ring off while Barthelemy peppered with his jab and searched for counter opportunities. Barthelemy’s most effective punch was his right hook counter, which caught Ramirez on his way inside on occasion, but those shots did little to deter the Mexican. Just before the bell to end round four, a right hook-straight left combination sent the Cuban crashing to the canvas. A weary Barthelemy arose, but as he turned his back and walked toward a neutral corner, referee Russell Mora stopped the bout at the 2:59 mark. The TKO victory upped Ramirez’ record to 23-2-3 (10 KOs). Barthelemy suffered his first defeat, leaving the ring at 15-1-1 (7 KOs).

 

“I said before the fight, I wasn’t going to let it go to the judges and that's what I did tonight,” said Ramirez. “The first fight wasn’t a draw. I worked very hard for this and it turned out how I wanted today. I felt his punching power. He’s a good fighter, but I came here to fight.”

 

"I've got no excuses. The better man won tonight,” Barthelemy acknowledged. “I had a great camp and I was feeling good. But when I got out there I wasn't really feeling my best. I turned around to try to walk around and get my feet under me. I wasn't trying to stop the fight or anything and I thought I could continue. Now I just have to live with it and come back.”