Mario Barrios vs. Abel Ramos: A Thrilling Draw in WBC Welterweight Clash

In a thrilling and action-packed bout at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, Mario Barrios and Abel Ramos exchanged knockdowns in a fight that ended in a split draw. Barrios retained his WBC welterweight title, but both fighters showcased their skills in a brutal, back-and-forth battle. 

A Dominant Start and a Shocking Knockdown

The fight kicked off with a tentative first round as both fighters tested each other’s range. Barrios(29-2-1, 18 KOs) quickly established control in the second, using his jab to maintain distance and set up powerful right-hand punches. Just before the round ended, Barriosdropped Ramos(28-6-3, 22 KOs) with a clean straight right, sending a clear message that he intended to dominate the fight. At this point, it seemed like Barrioswas in for a smooth defense of his title.

However, Abel Ramos wasn’t ready to back down. The determined fighter adjusted his strategy and began to close the distance on Barrios, relying on his movement and sharp right hands to break through Barrios defense. By the fifth round, Barrios jab had become less effective, and he seemed to adopt a more defensive approach, stepping back to counter Ramos attacks.

Ramos Fights Back and Scores a Knockdown

In a stunning turn of events, the sixth round saw Ramosland a devastating straight right hand behind Barrios jab, sending the defending champion crashing to the canvas. This knockdown shifted the momentum in Ramosfavor, and he pressed forward in search of a stoppage. The remainder of the round was a frantic pursuit by Ramos, but Barrios held on, determined not to lose control of the fight.

As the rounds progressed, Barriosshowed resilience, especially in the eighth, when he rallied by landing sharp punches to keep Ramosat bay. While Ramoscontinued to press the attack, Barriosregained his rhythm and outboxed his opponent, scoring with crisp combinations. However, Ramosremained relentless, continuing to push forward with hooks and right crosses.

By the 10th round, both men were bruised and battered, their faces swollen from the punishment endured throughout the fight. Barrioshad some success with clean punches, but Ramoswas still the aggressor, looking for a knockout until the final bell.

A Split Decision Draw

In the final rounds, both fighters continued to exchange blows, showing signs of exhaustion but refusing to back down. After 12 intense rounds, the judges were left to decide the outcome. One judge scored the fight in favor of Barriosby a clear 116-110, while another had Ramosahead at 114-112. The third judge saw it as a draw, scoring the fight 113-113, which resulted in the split draw verdict. Despite the intense exchanges, Barriosretained his WBC welterweight title by the narrowest of margins.

The fight was a testament to both fighters’ determination and hearts, leaving fans on the edge of their seats until the final bell. While Barrioswas able to maintain his championship status, the fierce battle showed that Ramosis not to be underestimated in future contests.