Boxing Match Preview: Tahmir Smalls (16-0-0, 11 KOs) vs. Abel Ramos (28-6-3, 22 KOs)

Time: Main card starts ~8:00 PM ET (5:00 PM PT); ring walks for this bout expected ~9:30–10:30 PM ET (co-feature position on undercard)
Venue: Desert Diamond Arena, Glendale, Arizona (Phoenix metro area)
Broadcast/Streaming: DAZN (live in US, UK, and select territories; subscription required)

Bout Details: 10 rounds, welterweight (147 lbs). On the line: WBA Continental North America Welterweight title (Smalls defending in first title defense). Part of the Emanuel Navarrete vs. Eduardo Nunez junior lightweight unification main event card, promoted by Matchroom Boxing and Top Rank collaboration elements.

This co-feature pits undefeated Philadelphia prospect Tahmir Smalls—fresh off a strong 2025 campaign and ranked in the WBA top 10 at welterweight—against veteran contender Abel Ramos, a durable, power-punching Arizona native (two-time world title challenger) returning after a 15+ month layoff. Smalls seeks to solidify contender status with a statement win in a tough Arizona venue; Ramos aims for a major upset to re-enter title contention. Expect a high-stakes, fan-friendly welterweight clash blending youth/power vs. experience/toughness.

Fighter Matchups / Styles Breakdown

Tahmir “N/A” Smalls (26 years old, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Orthodox | Height: 5’9″ / Reach: ~69″)

Explosive puncher with strong finishing rate (68.75% KO ratio).
Aggressive forward pressure, heavy hands (especially right cross and body shots), solid amateur base, and improving ring IQ. Trains in Philly with local support.
Style: High-volume attacker who pushes pace early, mixes head/body work; durable chin but untested vs. elite veterans.

Abel Ramos (age ~33–34, Phoenix, Arizona | Orthodox | Height: ~5’10”)

Veteran power puncher with elite durability (never stopped, strong chin).
Come-forward style, good jab, heavy hooks, and body attack; thrives in wars and late rounds. Proven against top competition (title shots vs. Mario Barrios, others).
Style: Relentless pressure fighter who absorbs shots and counters; layoff raises rust concerns, but experience in deep waters.

Key Clash: Smalls’ youth, speed, and power vs. Ramos’ veteran savvy, chin, and home-state crowd energy. Ramos’ durability could force Smalls into longer rounds; Smalls’ finishing ability favored if he lands clean early/mid. Classic prospect-vs-gatekeeper test with upset potential—high punch output expected.

Recent Form

Smalls (unbeaten streak strong):

Oct 2025: UD 10 Jose Roman Vazquez (captured WBA Continental NA title; dominant performance).
Jun 2025: Win vs. Clarence Booth.
Apr 2025: Win vs. Earl Bascome.
Flawless 2025: 4-0 with mix of decisions/stoppages; established as rising contender (WBA #9-ish ranking).

Ramos (layoff but quality opposition):

Nov 2024: Draw 12 vs. Mario Barrios (WBC title fight; competitive showing).
Prior: Multiple world title challenges and tough bouts.
No fights since late 2024; returns motivated but with ring rust factor after 15+ months inactive.

Fight History / Head-to-Head

No prior meetings. Smalls has faced solid regional/top-prospect opposition en route to 16-0 (51 rounds total, mostly decisive). Ramos boasts 37 pro bouts (high experience), with losses/draws to elite names (Barrios, others) but never knocked out. Head-to-head trends: Smalls dominates lesser foes; Ramos competitive in championship-level wars—his chin and volume could extend fight if Smalls can’t finish early.

Injury Report

No reported injuries for either fighter (as of late Feb 24, 2026). Both confirmed in camp, making weight (147 lbs), and cleared. Smalls has been training consistently post-2025; Ramos ended long layoff without issues noted. Monitor Feb 27 weigh-in for any last-minute concerns, but full strength projected.

Betting Trends

Smalls: Massive favorite in recent bouts; high KO rate; strong in title defenses/prospect spots.
- Ramos: Durable underdog (draw vs. Barrios); fights often go distance vs. power punchers; layoff could hurt.
- Matchroom/DAZN cards: Favorites win big in welterweight undercards; Arizona venues boost local fighters (Ramos home advantage).

FIGHT ODDS

Tahmir Smalls – 600

Abel Ramos + 425

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, February 27, 2026