- What: WBO featherweight title
- Who: Robeisy Ramirez vs. Rafael Espinoza
- Date: Saturday, December 9, 2023
- Time: 10:00 p.m. ET
- Location: Charles F. Dodge City Center in Pembroke Pines, Florida
- How to Watch: ESPN+
On Saturday, December 9, two-time Olympic gold medal winner Robeisy Ramirez looks to defend his WBO featherweight title for a second time when he faces the undefeated Rafael Espinoza at Charles F. Dodge City Center in Pembroke Pines, Florida, on an ESPN+ streaming boxing card. Here is some background on the fighters before we discuss, in detail, the betting breakdown of the Robeisy Ramirez vs. Rafael Espinoza bout.
Robeisy Ramirez (13-1 with eight knockouts) won the vacant WBO featherweight title in April with a unanimous decision win over Isaac Dogboe. The 29-year-old defended his crown in July with a fifth-round TKO win over Satoshi Shimizu. According to The Ring, Ramirez is the No. 4 rated fighter in the 126-pound division.
Rafael Espinoza (21-0 with 18 KOs) comes into this title with five straight knockout wins to his name. The 29-year-old is coming off a July KO victory over Ally Mwerangi. Espinoza is unrated by The Ring. The WBO has Espinoza as the No. 11 fighter in their featherweight rankings.
Before we look at the featherweight matchup between Robeisy Ramirez and Rafael Espinoza, check out our betting picks for the Devin Haney vs. Regis Prograis fight and where you can find the best boxing picks.
Robeisy Ramirez vs. Rafael Espinoza betting picks
Robeisy Ramirez vs. Rafael Espinoza betting breakdown
A southpaw, Robeisy Ramirez is the better boxer of the two. He employs level changes in his arsenal and uses them well when feinting and countering his opponent. He also does a good job of mixing activity with inactivity to create openings when his opponent becomes impatient. Ramirez also mixes up his targets to create openings, attacking the body to open the head or using a high guard to attack to the head. With eight career knockout wins as a pro, Ramirez has underrated power. Ramirez earned his gold medals at the 2012 and 2016 Olympic games.
Rafael Espinoza has been a pro since 2013, which gives him the experience advantage over the rising Ramirez. However, Espinoza has yet to face this level of competition. Espinoza has power and speed, which he has used to great effect throughout his career. He’s ended his past two fights before the end of the third round. Espinoza is a lanky 6-foot-1, which gives him an eight-inch height advantage over Ramirez. He also has a six-inch reach advantage.
Robeisy Ramirez vs. Rafael Espinoza: What’s on the line?
If Ramirez successfully defends his title on December 9 against Espinoza, he will likely face the top-ranked WBO fighter in his next title defense. That man is Arnold Khagei, who is 20-1-1 and coming off a July knockout win over Freddy Lainez. As for Espinoza, a win over Ramirez will be a career-trajectory-changing win for him, leading to a higher profile and more significant opportunities in his next fights.
Best Bets for Robeisy Ramirez vs. Rafael Espinoza
The early going of this fight will be interesting as Rafael Espinoza’s size and power will give Robeisy Ramirez some problems early. However, Ramirez is an outstanding defensive fighter with a high fight IQ. Barring a mental slip-up, Ramirez should be able to weather the early storm and tax the cardio of his foe, who has only gone the 10-round distance once in his career. Look for Ramirez to take over and score a decision win or possibly pick up a knockout in the fight’s second half.
Best betting pick for Robeisy Ramirez vs. Rafael Espinoza: Robeisy Ramirez to win via decision.
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