Double Olympic champion Robeisy Ramirez returns to action for the second defence of his WBO featherweight title when he takes on unbeaten Mexican Rafael Espinoza at the Charles F. Dodge City Center in Pembroke Pines, Florida, on December 9.
Ramirez (13-1, 8 KOs) was one of the most decorated amateur fighters in history. The Cuban lefty was shocked in his professional debut by Adan Gonzales, but he’s since avenged that setback and picked up a world title at the expense of Isaac Dogboe.
WATCH: Robeisy Ramirez vs. Rafael Espinoza, exclusively on ESPN+
“Becoming a champion has been a change for the better,” said Ramirez. “This includes the training because that is what has to change the most as you always have to be prepared for a great 12-round fight.”
Espinoza (21-0, 18 KOs) has the record of a knockout artist and at 6ft 1in tall, he will have an astonishing eight-inch height advantage in this bout. However, despite the Guadalajara-born contender’s imposing physicality, he has never mixed with a fighter of this quality in a 10-year pro career.
“I always try to use my height advantage,” said Espinoza. “My body has been blessed with this height, and I don’t even struggle to make weight. Obviously, I use it to my advantage, but like all Mexicans, I like coming forward, too.”
The Sporting News will provide undercard results and a full report on the main event.
Robeisy Ramirez vs. Rafael Espinoza full card
- Robeisy Ramirez (c) vs. Rafael Espinoza for the WBO featherweight title
- Xander Zayas vs. Jorge Fortea; Super Welterweights
- Bruce Carrington def. Jason Sanchez via TKO 2 (2:59); Featherweights
- Jahi Tucker vs. Francisco Daniel Veron; Junior Middleweights
- Rohan Polanco vs. Keith Hunter; Junior Welterweights
- Delante Johnson def. Jimmer Espinosa via SD 12 (79-73, 78-74, 75-77); Junior Welterweights
- Damian Kynba def. Scott Alexander via UD 8; Heavyweights
- Richard Torrez Jr. def. Curtis Harper via TKO 8 (2:03); Heavyweights
When is Robeisy Ramirez vs. Rafael Espinoza?
The main card starts at 10 p.m. ET, while Ramirez and Espinoza should enter the ring around 11:30 p.m. ET, depending on how long the undercard fights last.
| Region | Date | Main Card Start Time | Main Event Ring Walks (approx.) |
| USA and Canada (ET) | Saturday, December 9 | 10 p.m. ET | 11:30 p.m. ET |
| USA and Canada (PT) | Saturday, December 9 | 7 p.m. PT | 8:30 p.m. PT |
| UK and Ireland | Sunday, December 10 | 3 a.m. BST | 4:30 a.m. BST |
|
Australia |
Sunday, December 10 | 12 p.m. AEST | 1:30 p.m. AEST |
How to watch Robeisy Ramirez vs. Rafael Espinoza
| Region | TV channel | Live streaming |
| USA | ESPN | ESPN+ |
| Canada | — | TSN+ |
| UK and Ireland | Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Arena | Sky GO |
| Australia | — | TBC |
The Robeisy Ramirez vs. Rafael Espinoza main card will air on ESPN and ESPN+ in the U.S. The undercard will air exclusively on ESPN+.
Robeisy Ramirez vs. Rafael Espinoza price: How much does the fight cost?
You can pay $10.99 for a monthly subscription to ESPN+ or buy an annual subscription for $109.99.
| Product | Prices |
|---|---|
| ESPN+ Monthly Subscription | $10.99/mo |
| ESPN+ Annual Subscription | $109.99/yr |
| The Disney Bundle w/Hulu Ad-Supported | $14.99/mo |
| The Disney Bundle w/Hulu No-Ads | $24.99/mo |