Florian Marku, cheered on by his home army at the Air Albania Stadium, achieved his undefeated welterweight campaign in an intense match that was not without struggles.
The 29-year-old former kickboxer enjoyed a hero’s welcome to the ring, as Albanian rapper Noizy delivered music and chants from local fans. What followed was a bloody, and often sloppy fight – cutting each boxer, knocking out each fighter, taking points, and the referee stopping the round a bit early.
Miguel Parra Ramirez has the advantage of height and is a relatively unknown challenge. He’s on the pitch, undaunted by lack of support, and busier than 1st ring. Marku started to close the gap in 2ndwilling to deal with the Mexicans.
A scppy 4order saw Marku score a dubious kill. This was followed by a head impact, which opened a cut above his left eye – blood from which helped Ramirez find a home to do some big shots.
Turning south in the middle of the tenth, ‘King of Albania’ continued to attack the innings and threw a left hook in the 7th roundorder caused a wide and deep cut on the opponent’s cheek. Not long after, the referee halted the proceedings to take a point from Parra Ramirez, making victory for him unlikely.
Marku’s return home is almost spoiled when his large left hand causes him to sit down heavily in 8orderbut his quick recovery and animated guidance from Grant Smith in the corner helped him fight to make a fair, unanimous decision.
The international BOXXER event was broadcast live on YouTube channel Sky Sports Boxing. Marku and his promoters may now be looking for a reverse move so that boxers can keep climbing the weight chart.
Now, the ‘King of Albania’ will celebrate the fact that his people showed up to see him hold his crown.
