Susie ‘Q’ Ramadan 27-3 (12) was thwarted in her attempt to become a three-time world champion when veteran Mariana ‘Barbie’ Juarez 51-9-4 (14) held on to survive a late rally from the Australian to retain her WBC bantamweight title via 10-round unanimous decision at the Auditorio Miguel Barragan in San Luis Potosi, Mexico on Saturday night.
The visitor won over the crowd with her high-volume attack and strong finish, with a minor riot breaking out after the scorecards were announced.
Juarez, 38, was making the sixth defence of the world title she won against Catherine Phiri in April last year.
“I just want to say I’m absolutely gutted,” said Ramadan, 39, on social media. “I fought my heart out against a really tough opponent.
“I thought I won the fight but with all the odds against me we knew it was going to be hard to get the decision no matter what.
“I almost had her in the tenth but she was tough and I couldn’t finish her. I’m sorry I didn’t get the win but I won the crowd and couldn’t be happier.”
It’s not the first time Ramadan has come frustratingly close to victory in a world title fight in Mexico.
In 2011 Ramadan faced Yazmin Rivas for the vacant IBF bantamweight title, going down by split decision in a result that was widely regarded as a robbery.
Three years later she returned to Mexico for a rematch against Rivas for the WBC 118-pound title, losing a competitive decision.
Former IBF super featherweight champion Barry Michael rates Ramadan as Australia’s best ever female boxer.
“Susie, you are undoubtedly the greatest female boxer Australia has ever produced and also one of the greatest in the world,” Michael wrote on social media.
“I know your only losses have been in Mexico. First loss [was] bullsh*t. Second loss questionable and again number three sounds dubious.
“Don’t stop. You will win another major world title.”
Ramadan thanked her team and fans for their continued support and promised that this is not the end of her storied career.
“From the bottom of my heart I want to thank each and every one of you for the love and support,” said Ramadan. “I want to thank all my team members as they all did an amazing job.
“I will bounce back.”
 was thwarted in her attempt to become a three-time world champion when veteran Mariana ‘Barbie’ Juarez 51-9-4 (14) held on to survive a late rally from the Australian to retain her WBC bantamweight title via 10-round unanimous decision at the Auditorio Miguel Barragan in San Luis Potosi, Mexico on Saturday night.){kind=link}