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Undefeated Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (42-0, 28 KOs) feels he’ll get his first world light heavyweight title shot 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 No. 2 by the World Boxing Organization (WBO) and No. 5 by the International Boxing Federation (IBF).
After Ramirez’ recent knockout victory over Sullivan Barrera (22-3, 14 KOs), positioning him for a world title shot, the boxing world looked forward to “Zurdo” challenging World Boxing Association (WBA) light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol later this year. Bivol had all but assured a showdown with Ramirez through social media posts, but that doesn’t appear to be his direction for the moment.
The 30-year Ramirez has openly called for a fight with Bivol or either of the other world light heavyweight title holders, Artur Beterbiev (WBC/IBF) and Joe Smith, Jr. (WBO), whose rumored unification fight doesn’t appear to be on the horizon.
“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 for my pride and the spirit of 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 to be crowned world light heavyweight champions.
“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’m also hearing (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!”
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 and 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.”