By Cliff Rold

31-year old IBF Cruiserweight titlist Victor Ramirez (22-2-1, 17 KO), 200, of Wilde, Buenos Aires, Argentina, retained his title on Friday night at the Villa La Ñata Sporting Club in Benavídez, Buenos Aires, Argentina, with a split draw verdict against 35-year old Jamaican Ovil McKenzie (25-12-1, 13 KO), 191 ¼, of Derby, Derbyshire, UK. The referee was Benjy Esteves Jr.

Ramirez previously held the WBO title in the division in 2009. This was the first title shot for McKenzie who turned professional in 2003.   

Ramirez was defending the IBF title for the first time one bout removed from winning the interim crown. Former champion Yoan Pablo Hernandez was stripped for failing to make a fight with Ramirez and has subsequently retired.

Ramirez didn’t fight between August 2009 and December 2013 following losing the WBO Cruiserweight title to Marco Huck. Ramirez had won seven straight before tonight. McKenzie had won four straight since a stoppage loss to former WBO titlist Enzo Maccarinelli in August 2013.

Cliff Rold is the Managing Editor of BoxingScene and a member of the Transnational Boxing Rankings Board and the Boxing Writers Association of America.  He can be reached at roldboxing@hotmail.com