Spark, who only returned to the ring less than a year ago has a three win one loss record – his only loss coming in China at only his second career bout.
“This is a huge opportunity for me,” Spark said.
“In the sport of boxing everyone wants to win titles and I hold the Queensland title in high regard so it’s an honour to fight for it.
“I was able to win a number of Queensland titles as an amateur – and it was one of my career highlights so I would love to add a professional Queensland title to that list.
“Mark Ramirez is a tough competitor, he’s had thirteen career fights and has been in the pro ranks for five years.
“He’s also a former Queensland champion.
“He has experience I don’t have.
“He has a KO win over Waylon Law – who is a WBC regional champion.
“He went the distance twice with Darren Askew and in my opinion Darren Askew was World class.
“That’s the company Mark Ramirez is in.
“However in saying all that – it counts for nothing when we step between the ropes on August 20.
“I’ll give it my best shot, I feel I’m ready and hopefully that’s good enough to get me the win.”
The bout will take place on a show promoted by Angelo Di Carlo at the Mansfield Tavern.
“I’m really excited about having this bout on one of my cards,” Di Carlo said.
“When Brendon Smith from Smithy’s TGW Promotions proposed it to me, I didn’t hesitate – I locked it straight in.
“It’s the old bull in Mark Ramirez against the young gun in Steven Spark.
“It’s a promoters dream.
“I have a high regard for Steven Spark – but this is his biggest test to date.
“Spark has won State and National titles in the amateur ranks and is a pro star of the future.
“It’s exactly the kind of flavour I want on my shows.
“He comes from a great gym with a great trainer and manager in Brendon Smith so it’s a pleasure dealing with his team.
“I’ve had a number of my boxers fight on Brendon’s promotions and vice versa so we have a great working relationship.
“Boxing needs crowds and guys like Steven Spark bring crowds.
“I’ve already had strong interest from people in Toowoomba wanting to come watch Steven Spark fight for the State title.
“I have no doubt there will be a large contingent of Toowoomba fans in the crowd on August 20.
“This fight will be a crowd pleaser, Mark Ramirez has a strong following in Brisbane so I expect a lot of interest in this bout.”
Trainer manager Brendon Smith has long sung the praises of Steven Spark and firmly believes he’s ready for the challenge of a seasoned established pro like Mark Ramirez.
“We have big goals for Steven Spark and this is the first,” Smith said.
“Stevie has great potential and now I feel he’s ready for this opportunity.
“Mark Ramirez is a big test, we’re under no illusions of that – but I believe Stevie is up for the challenge.
“To have this shot on Angelo Di Carlo’s card is a privilege.
“Angelo is respected right across the country and on the World stage and he didn’t hesitate in wanting to put this bout on.
“We look forward to fighting on Angelo’s show.
“I urge anyone who wants to join our growing number of people who want to be ringside for this bout to get in contact with me and I can organise the tickets through Angelo.
“This fight might be in Brisbane but there will be so many of us travelling down the range I’m sure Mark will feel like he’s fighting in Toowoomba.”
