Kevin Ramirez proved to be the little engine that could.
A competing cruiserweight prior to 2025, the unbeaten Argentinean turned away the much larger Ahmed Krnjic to run the tables in the WBC Boxing Grand Prix heavyweight tournament. Ramirez claimed a unanimous decision, by scores of 78-74, 78-74, 77-75, 77-75 and 77-75 over eight rounds Saturday on DAZN from Boulevard City Global Theater in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
With the win, Ramirez, 12-0-2 (4 KOs) claimed the $100,000 prize afforded the first-place finisher, along with a top 10 WBC heavyweight ranking.
“This is a dream come true,” Ramirez told DAZN’s Claudia Trejos.
Ramirez never weighed more than 200lbs through his first nine pro bouts, all which took place in his native Argentina. His intention is to drop back down to his natural weight and win a major title in that division.
However, he and his team seized an inviting opportunity to play David to a field of novice Goliaths.
To that point, Krnjic was the least experienced pro among the eight finalists spanning four weight divisions (heavyweight, 160lbs, 140lbs, 126lbs). He had just three fights prior to his impressive run in Riyadh, claiming a pair of knockouts and back-to-back narrow decisions.
Ramirez used his skills and speed to jump out to an early lead against Bosnia’s Krnjic. His jab was on point and created openings for his uppercut which consistently split Krnjic’s guard. It was well reflected on the scorecards, all which had Ramirez ahead (30-27, 30-27, 30-27, 29-28, 29-28) through three rounds.
Krnjic, 7-1 (4 KOs) sought to turn things around in the 4th but struggled to fend off the pesky Ramirez.
Minor controversy ensued when Krnjic caught a partially landed left hook during an ordered break. Ramirez did not hear the call from referee Kieran McCann and landed two shots while Krnjic’s attention was focused on the official. He quickly rose to his feet following the foul and picked up the pace on offense.
Ramirez was forced to brush off a low blow one round later, but rebounded after the brief time out and proceeded to outwork Krnjic.
Open scoring confirmed that Ramirez was pulling away after six rounds. All five judges had him ahead (58-56, 58-56, 58-56, 59-55, 59-55) through six rounds, and the body language of Krnjic suggested both frustration and fatigue.
Still, the bulking Bosnian soldiered on as he sought to land a game-changing shot. Ramirez’s defense and chin were up for the task, as he was fully aware of the incoming and always in position to land his uppercut.
Krnjic offered one final push in the 8th round – which he claimed on all five cards. However, it came at a point where he needed to knock out the smaller but far more determined Ramirez.
Saturday’s feat saw Ramirez go 4-0-1 in the groundbreaking tournament. His August 13 draw with Piotr Lacz went to supplemental scoring, which landed in favor of the 25-year-old Argentine, who then turned away American heavyweight Dante Stone in October.
Despite being in position to advance in the heavyweight rankings, Ramirez sees an opportunity to excel at a weight more befitting his lean frame.
“I plan to go back to cruiserweight and win a world title there.”
