Riyad’s Global Theater once again showcased boxing at its best, delivering an evening of unrelenting drama as the WBC Grand Prix reached its semi-final crescendo. Eight players used their tickets to the December final, while the Americans’ hopes faded after a brutal night that saw the last US competitor, Dante Stone, fall in the opening round.

Thirteen Americans started this year’s competition in Saudi Arabia in April. By Sunday evening, none remained.

WBC Grand Prix Semi-Finals: US Dreams Dashed

Arizona’s Dante Stone entered the semifinals as the United States’ lone torchbearer, but the Argentine Kevin Ramirez he had other plans. A first-round knockdown set the tone, and although Stone rallied with disciplined attacks and courageous resistance, Ramírez’s punishing right hand repeatedly put him on the edge.

When the final bell rang, the judges, split in decision, sided with Ramírez, dashing the United States’ hopes for this year’s tournament.

North America saved some pride thanks to Canada Derek Pomerleauwho defeated Colombian Carlos Sinisterra by a tiny majority of votes. Great tactics, including a crucial fifth-round nose injury to Sinisterra, proved enough to give Pomerleau victory and a coveted place in the final.

“It was a truly special evening,” said WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman. “Ramírez told me that he is determined to fulfill his dream of buying the house he promised his mother. The entire WBC Grand Prix was magical and full of amazing fights. Eight fighters are going home, but eight will return to Riyadh in search of glory.”

The stakes for the finalists could not be higher: a chance to raise their prestige Jose Sulaiman Trophya chance at a WBC silver title and significant prize money – prizes that push any fighter to their limits.

Semi-final results: knockouts and tactical masterclasses

The road to the final in four weight classes combined early knockouts with strategic, tough decisions:

Very featherlight

Mujibillo Tursunov (Uzbekistan) MD6 Danylo Lozan (Ukraine)

Carlos Utria (Colombia) TKO1 Nthetelelo Nkosi (South Africa)

Featherweight

Muhamet Qamili (Italy) TKO1 Yoni Valverde Jr (France) – A clear victory for the undefeated Italian.

Brandon Mejia Mosqueda (Mexico) KO5 Bekizizwe Maitse (South Africa) – Steadfast bodywork ensures finish.

Medium weight

Derek Pomerleau (Canada) MD6 Carlos Sinisterra (Colombia) – Pomerleau’s tactical advantage confirmed by a decisive nose injury in the fifth round.

Dylan Biggs (Australia) UD6 Lancelot de la Chapelle (France)

Heavyweight

Ahmed Krnjić (Bosnia and Herzegovina) SD6 Keaton Gomes (South Africa) – Consistent pressure wins by split decision.

Kevin Ramirez (Argentina) SD6 Dante Stone (USA)

After the semi-finals, the WBC Grand Prix is ​​heading towards its December climax. Eight fighters remain, all chasing glory, the José Sulaimán Trophy and a lasting place in boxing history.

About the author

Phil Jay is experienced boxing journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the global combat scene. How Since 2010, editor-in-chief of World Boxing News (WBN).Jay has interviewed dozens of world champions and the most critical boxing evenings in the ring were reported.

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