Jose Ramirez of the United States has scored a tight victory over French opponent Rachid Azzedine.
Azzadine started in a lively fashion, finding the mark with a few early shots. However, Ramirez took control as the round went on with a few softening body blows.
The American ended the first round far stronger than his opponent, pinning Azzadine against the ropes and unleashing a barrage of lefts and rights.
The Frenchman came out strongly yet again in the opening exchanges of the second, but his low guard invited Ramirez to connect with a decent left hook.
The pair were trading shots in the action-packed stanza, with Ramirez coming out on top to lead 13-11 going into the final round.
Both men came out all guns blazing at the start of the third, with Azzadine landing a nice right to just stop Ramirez for a moment. However, the American also found the target as the action came thick and fast.
A brilliant contest ended with Ramirez scraping a 21-20 decision.
Michael Penkman
