The interim WBA light heavyweight titleholder encountered significant challenges facing the skilled British left-hander in a strategic match characterized by frequent grappling and multiple rounds that were challenging to judge.
Ramirez showcased some of his most effective performance in the initial stages, whereas Richards thrived by landing precise counter-punches and powerful conclusions during the later championship rounds. Many considered Richards’s eleventh round to be his strongest, and his aggressive finish left several onlookers convinced he had secured enough points for the win.
Ultimately, the official scores revealed two judges favoring Ramirez with scores of 115-113, while the third official scored it 116-112 in favor of Richards. This win maintains Ramirez’s standing for a possible opportunity at a complete world championship.
Prior to the main event, Imam Khataev, a 2021 Olympic bronze medalist, provided one of the evening’s most impactful spectacles by achieving a first-round victory over Mickael Diallo.
Khataev seemed to be progressing smoothly through the initial round until a right hook sent him to the canvas halfway through. Despite this being his first significant challenge in the match, the Russian competitor rapidly reversed his fortunes.
Upon recovering from the knockdown, Khataev swiftly launched an offensive, felling Diallo with a powerful right. He secured another knockdown shortly after in the same round, leading Diallo’s team to halt the contest as the round concluded.
This triumph elevated Khataev’s professional record to 12 wins against 1 loss, marking his return to action following the sole professional defeat he had endured.
In the headline bout, Ramirez preserved his undefeated streak, concurrently, Khataev recovered from an initial knockdown to achieve a first-round knockout in an earlier match.
