Mario Barrios Retains WBC Title in Hard-Fought Clash Against Ramos
Unbeaten Champion Defends Crown After 12 Rounds of Action
Barrios' Dominance Continues in Thrilling Fight
In a highly anticipated showdown at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Mario Barrios successfully defended his World Boxing Council (WBC) super lightweight title against challenger Batyr Akhmedov on Saturday night. The bout, which went the full 12 rounds, was a grueling test for both fighters, but Barrios ultimately emerged victorious via unanimous decision.
Barrios, who entered the ring with a perfect record of 24-0, started the fight aggressively, landing several clean shots in the opening rounds. Akhmedov, a skilled boxer with a reputation for his power, weathered the early storm and began to find his rhythm as the fight progressed.
The middle rounds saw both fighters trading heavy blows, with neither man able to gain a clear advantage. Barrios' superior speed and footwork allowed him to land the cleaner shots, but Akhmedov's power kept him in the fight. The Kazakhstani challenger landed several hard right hands that wobbled Barrios on a few occasions.
As the fight entered the championship rounds, Barrios dug deep and found the strength to regain control. The American boxer landed a series of combinations that visibly hurt Akhmedov, and the challenger began to show signs of fatigue. Barrios continued to press forward in the 11th and 12th rounds, landing several unanswered shots that sealed the victory.
In the end, the judges scored the fight 116-112, 115-113, and 115-113 in favor of Barrios, who retained his WBC title and extended his unbeaten streak to 25 fights. Akhmedov, who suffered his first professional defeat, put up a valiant effort but ultimately came up short against the more experienced and talented champion.
Barrios' victory solidifies his status as one of the top fighters in the super lightweight division. The 25-year-old American has now successfully defended his WBC title twice, and he is looking to unify the division by facing other champions in the future.