On Saturday at James L. Knight Center in Miami, Florida, the ten-round co-feature will see former featherweight champion Robeisy Ramirez (27-4 including pro bouts in the World Series of Boxing) returns from losing his title to face Mexico’s Brandon Leon Benitez (21-2, 9 KOs). If Ramirez is successful on Saturday, he could be in line for a rematch against WBO champion Rafael Espinoza, who dethroned him in an instant classic last December. The six-round televised opener will see middleweight prospect Nico Ali Walsh (10-1, 5 KOs) attempt to avenge his only pro defeat in a rematch against Sona Akale (9-1, 4 KOs). The show will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. Sky Sports will broadcast the event in the UK and Ireland. This is what the boxers had to say on Thursday at the final press conference.
Robeisy Ramirez
“I feel very happy to be coming home here to Miami, and I’m very happy for the support that the fans have given me. I’m excited to be back.”
“I don’t think I have to do anything different. I have my objective, which is to do my work and demonstrate the quality of fighter that I am. The true Robeisy will be seen Saturday.”
“What I learned {from the Espinoza loss} is that one has to be very concentrated on the work you have to do. This is a very tough sport where you have to sacrifice a lot, and if you are not concentrated 100 percent on what you have to do, then sometimes you can be taken off on what you need to do in the fight.”
Brandon Leon Benitez
“I’ve looked for a big fight like this for a while. Now that I have the opportunity, I am going to take advantage of it. So, I am here to win, and I am happy to be here with all of you here in Miami, and it’s going to be a fabulous fight.”
“We’ve been preparing for southpaws for more than a year. So, I don’t think we’ll see any difficulties in facing a southpaw. But, of course, we know that we have a tough fighter. He’s an Olympian and a former world champion, so we know he’s a great fighter. This is a big challenge, but I like challenges, and we’re coming for the victory.”
“This is the most important fight of my career. It’s a great opportunity. If I win, it will position me for a world title shot. I’ve prepared mentally, physically, and spiritually. In my mind, there’s nothing else but winning. I’m prepared.
Nico Ali Walsh
“A lot has changed. This isn’t my first rematch. So, we know that I’m able to adapt quickly early in my career. I’m changing every month. And I’m looking forward to the fight.”
“I’ve got love in my corner. I’ve got people who believe in me, which is the most important thing. I’m working with Fernando Diaz, Jamie Belt. All of Salas Academy is amazing. I get along with every single person there. So, I’m just happy to be where I’m at.”
Sona Akale
"I'm very excited. I'm eager to prove that {the first fight} was no fluke."
"It's been a whirlwind. I love it all. I'm already a legend in my city. Win, lose, or draw, I'm happy to be here, but I'm here to win. Always here to win."
