Ramirez vs Espinoza and Zayas vs Fortea will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ beginning at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT
This Saturday, Dec. 9, at the Charles F. Dodge City Center in sunny Pembroke Pines, Florida, Xander Zayas is squaring up against Spain’s Jorge Fortea in a sizzling 10-round showdown. The Zayas-Fortea clash is the appetizer to the main course – the WBO featherweight title fight where champ Robeisy “El Tren” Ramirez and undefeated Mexican hopeful Rafael “El Divino” Espinoza will duke it out.
You can catch all the action – Ramirez vs. Espinoza and Zayas vs. Fortea – live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+. It’s kicking off at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT, so don’t miss it!
Brought to you by Top Rank, alongside Zanfer Promotions, you can snatch up tickets now at Ticketmaster.com. Hurry up, they’re selling like hotcakes!
Now, about Zayas (17-0, 11 KOs) – he’s been on the fast track to stardom since signing with Top Rank at 16 and making his pro debut in October 2019. Now in his fifth pro year, he’s eyeing a title in the jam-packed 154-pound division. He’s fresh off an eight-round unanimous decision victory over Ronald Cruz in June and a fifth-round TKO triumph over the formidable Roberto Valenzuela Jr. in September. Fortea (24-3-1, 9 KOs), on the other side, is a seasoned pro from Spain with a three-fight winning streak under his belt.
Post-training, Zayas had a few words to share:
“Counting down to fight night! I’m buzzing for that bell to ring on December 9 in South Florida. This one’s for all my Boricuas from the ‘Island of Enchantment’ and the far-reaching ‘Puerto Rican Diaspora’ – I know you’ll be watching on ESPN.”
“I’m fired up to end this year with a wallop and keep climbing the junior middleweight ranks. Next year, it’s all about moving up, one step at a time. Trust me, every time I step into the ring, you’re going to see a more polished Zayas.”
“A huge shoutout to the fans for their unwavering support. Also, I’m psyched to share the spotlight with my good friend and respected Cuban boxer, ‘El Tren’ Robeisy Ramírez. We’re almost at a full house, and we’re ready to serve up a fiesta of Latin flair with a Cuban-Puerto Rican twist!”
Robeisy Ramirez
“Focused on the fight? Check. Excited to defend my world title in Miami? Double check. I know my Cuban fans will be there, and we’re going to rock the house this Saturday. Defending my title in Miami is like having a home game with extra cheers!”
“Becoming a champ? It’s like leveling up in a video game, but in real life. My training routine had to level up too. Got to be ready for those marathon 12-round fights, you know.”
“Taller opponents? No biggie. How I’ll tackle them? That’s a secret recipe my trainer Ismael Salas and I cooked up.”
Rafael Espinoza
“This moment is like hitting the jackpot for boxers. Since I first laced up gloves, I’ve been dreaming of this. It’s not just a fight; it’s THE fight.”
“Height advantage? Oh, I milk it for all it’s worth. Tall and making weight without a fuss? That’s me. But I also love to charge forward, just like every other Mexican fighter.”
“My past 21 fights? They’re like old news. What matters now is this big shot, this world title fight. It’s showtime!”
Xander Zayas
“Thrilled that my opponent’s bringing his A-game. Why? Because I want to beat the best version of Jorge Fortea. Last time I stepped into the ring, I showed I’m not just here for a good time, but for a long time. Expect more fireworks this time.”
“Anything special about him? Well, he’s fast, but not ‘The Flash’ fast. I’ve got speed and strength on my side too.”
Jorge Fortea
“In boxing, expect the unexpected. This time, I got the heads up early, so I’m super ready. Normally, I’m the last to know about fights. So, this time’s different.”
“My aim? Win this fight. Climb that ladder. More fights at this level? Yes, please.”
Richard Torrez Jr.
“Love staying busy. Reminds me of my amateur days, but with less rush. It might feel slow sometimes, but hey, it’s a great chance to show what I’ve been working on.”
“Prepped for the long haul, but if a knockout chance pops up, I’m grabbing it. If a punch lands, it’s lights out.”
Bruce Carrington
“Super focused on this fight, but I’m all about keeping the momentum going. I love the ring – it’s my second home. Fifth fight this year, and I’m not slowing down. 2024 is going to be even bigger.”
What time is Ramirez vs. Espinoza?
Mark your not-so-busy calendars: Saturday, December 9. The fun starts at 9 p.m. ET (or 2 a.m. Sunday for our UK friends living in the future). Ramirez and Espinoza are expected to grace us with their presence around 11 p.m. ET (4:00 a.m. UK time, Sunday), but as we all know, the undercard fights could turn this into a guessing game.
2. Where can I witness this majestic display of fisticuffs?
For the Yanks, LIVE on ESPN+ is where you’ll find this glorious display of sportsmanship. Meanwhile, Sky Sports will be catering to the refined tastes of our UK pals.
3. The venue of this grand spectacle?
It’s going down at the Charles F. Dodge City Center in Pembroke Pines, Florida – a name as grand as the expectations for the fight.
4. Robeisy Ramirez – who is he, and why should I be impressed?
Ramirez hails from Cuba, with a birth certificate dated December 20, 1993. He’s a modest 5′ 5″, reach of 68″, and boasts a record of 13 wins (8 KOs) and 1 mysterious loss. Quite the enigma, eh?
5. Rafael Espinoza – what’s his story?
Our Mexican maestro, born April 21, 1994, towers at 6′ 1″. He’s been in 21 scuffles and emerged unscathed every single time, knocking out 18 opponents. Either he’s that good, or he’s been fighting shadows.
6. And what about the appetizers, aka the undercard?
Broadcast on ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT
- Robeisy Ramirez vs. Rafael Espinoza
- Weights: Ramirez 125.6 lbs, Espinoza 125.3 lbs
- Title: Ramirez’s WBO Featherweight World Title
- Rounds: 12
- Xander Zayas vs. Jorge Fortea
- Weights: Zayas 153.6 lbs, Fortea 153.7 lbs
- Division: Junior Middleweight
- Rounds: 10
Earlier Fights on ESPN+ starting at 5:40 p.m. ET/2:40 p.m. PT
- Bruce Carrington vs. Jason Sanchez
- Weights: Carrington 125.8 lbs, Sanchez 125.7 lbs
- Division: Featherweight
- Rounds: 10
- Richard Torrez Jr. vs. Curtis Harper
- Weights: Torrez Jr. 230.8 lbs, Harper 273.9 lbs
- Division: Heavyweight
- Rounds: 8
- Jahi Tucker vs. Francisco Daniel Veron
- Weights: Tucker 155.2 lbs, Veron 155.1 lbs
- Division: Junior Middleweight
- Rounds: 8
- Rohan Polanco vs. Keith Hunter
- Weights: Polanco 142.9 lbs, Hunter 139.3 lbs
- Division: Junior Welterweight
- Rounds: 8
- Tiger Johnson vs. Jimmer Espinosa
- Weights: Johnson 141.6 lbs, Espinosa 141.2 lbs
- Division: Junior Welterweight
- Rounds: 8
- Damian Knyba vs. Michael Coffie
- Weights: Knyba 264.1 lbs, Coffie 290.9 lbs
- Division: Heavyweight
- Rounds: 8