Ex-world champion and light heavyweight contender Gilberto Ramirez is closing in on another reign at the sport’s summit.
Undefeated “Zurdo” (42-0, 28 KOs) feels he’ll get his first title shot under Oscar De La Hoya because he believes in himself, his promoter Golden Boy Promotions, and his Mexican heritage.
The former World Boxing Organization (WBO) super middleweight World champion is a leading light heavyweight contender, currently rated two by the World Boxing Organization (WBO). He’s also at five with the International Boxing Federation (IBF).
After Ramirez’s recent knockout victory over Sullivan Barrera (22-3, 14 KOs), positioning him for a World title shot, the boxing world looked forward to seeing Ramirez challenging World Boxing Association (WBA) Super Light Heavyweight Champion Dmitry Bivol later this year.
Bivol had all but assured a showdown with Ramirez through social media posts, but suddenly he changed his tune. Bivol was dreaming of a match this November that isn’t going to happen against WBA and WBC Super Middleweight Champion “Saul “Canelo” Alvarez (56-1-2, 38 KOs).
The 30-year Ramirez has openly called for a fight with Bivol or the other World light heavyweight title-holders, Artur Beterbiev (WBC/IBF) and Joe Smith, Jr. (WBO), of whom a rumored unification fight doesn’t appear to be on the horizon.
Meanwhile, all three reigning World light heavyweight champions have gone dark, at least fighting Ramirez. Is “Zurdo” too risky for them, or are they just hesitant to fight a proven Mexican challenger?
“I leave my opponents to my promoter, Golden Boy, and its matchmaker, Robert Diaz,” Ramirez explained. “They’re aware of what I want, and I trust they are diligent and will do whatever is best for me.
“As a fighter, I’ve been clear that all the World light heavyweight champs are on my hit list, and I don’t retract my statement or shy away from the fights as most of them have.
“In this world, all I have are my word and balls, and I don’t break ‘em for anyone. I fight not just for myself but my pride and the spirit of the Mexican people.
“We are proud of our heritage and have been the best fighters. Russians know I will take out both Bivol and Beterbiev; Joe Smith, Jr. is just an appetizer.”
“Canelo” and Julio Cesar Gonzalez (2003) are the only native Mexicans crowned World Light Heavyweight Champions. Still, everybody in boxing knows Mexican boxers are called warriors for a good reason.
“I think they’re all reluctant to fight a Mexican light heavyweight like me,” Ramirez added. “There’s a reason why Bivol is retracting his statement and staying quiet after all his social media antics. If he was serious, it’s an easy fight to make, and he knows it (both fighters have fought on DAZN).
“I also hear (Joshua) Buatsi’s name in the mix, but I would absolutely destroy him. All these guys talk the talk but rarely walk the walk. I am a Mexican warrior; everybody knows the way we are built!”
LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT
Other potential contenders in the mix, excluding the reigning world champions, may include Badou Jack, Eleider Alvarez, Maxim Vlasov (Ramirez defeated him as super middleweights), and Lyndon Arthur.
“My time will come, Ramirez concluded. “I know Golden Boy is working hard on making this a reality. When that time comes, all these guys will have nowhere to run or hide. I leave who I fight next up to my matchmaker, Robert Diaz. I trust that Golden Boy will do whatever is best for my career.
“I’m not frustrated. This is part of the process. I’m a veteran in this game. Many will talk, but they will fall when it’s time to act. Again, I trust Golden Boy will do what has been promised, and I look forward to what fight they will present me with.”
