Robeisy Ramirez didn't leave anything to chance this time around.
The two-time Olympic Gold medalist from Florida by way of Cuba picked up his first pro win on his second try, outworking Fernando Ibarra en route to a 6th round stoppage Saturday evening at Chukchansi Park in Fresno, California.
A body shot put Ibarra down, forcing an immediate stoppage at 1:37 of round six.
Determined to avoid the type of disaster which struck in his pro debut, Ramirez came out far more aggressive in the opening round. The 25-year old Cuban southpaw—who was decked in the opening round of his loss to Adan Gonzales in August—enlisted the services of renowned trainer Ismael Salas and immediately took the fight to Ibarra (2-2, 0KOs), a California-based Mexican product whose fighting style was made to order for an opponent in search of a confidence building win.
The threat of an early knockout quickly transitioned to a showcase performance for the former amateur standout. Of the realization that Ibarra couldn't hurt him, Ramirez mixed up his attack, fighting on the inside when necessary but otherwise boxing from the outside with his hands down by his waist.
Five one-sided rounds were in the bank when Ramirez picked up the pace in the 6th and final round. It reaped major dividends, culminating in the bout's lone knockdown a body shot forced Ibarra to a knee in a neutral corner. It was enough to prompt the end of the night without issuing a count.
It didn't serve as the explosive start to his career as hoped, but Ramirez (1-1, 1KO) now has a notable pro performance on which to fondly reflect. Amateur wins over current featherweight titlist Shakur Stevenson and rising contenders Tugstsogt Nyambayan and Michael Conlan grace his incredible amateur run, although there exists a long road ahead in the paid ranks.
The bout served in supporting capacity to an ESPN+-streamed telecast topped by junior lightweight titlist Jamel Herring (20-2, 10KOs) in a maiden defense versus unbeaten Lamont Roach Jr. (19-0-1, 7KOs).
