Cruiserweight world champion Gilberto Ramirez said he has left Golden Boy Promotions to become a free agent.
“The future holds endless possibilities,” Ramirez said. “I’m excited to embark on this journey as a free agent. My ultimate goal is to unify the cruiserweight division and become the undisputed champion. It’s a challenging path, but I’m fully committed to putting in the hard work and dedication required to achieve that feat. As a champion, I have the flexibility to pursue the opportunities that will bring me closer to my goal and allow me to showcase my skills on the global stage. I’m looking forward to whatever the future holds and am determined to leave my mark on the sport of boxing.”
Ramirez (46-1, 30 KOs) defeated Arsen Goulamirian by unanimous-decision to clinch the WBA belt in March to become Mexico’s first ever cruiserweight champion.
“I’m truly grateful for this victory,” Ramirez explained. “I want to express my appreciation to everyone who supported me along the way. It’s been a journey of hard work, dedication, and perseverance, and I’m honored to have achieved this milestone. I also want to commend my opponent for their effort and sportsmanship. Victory is not just about individual success, but also about the spirit of competition and camaraderie. I look forward to continuing to strive for excellence and becoming the undisputed champion of the division.
“I am deeply humbled and honored to be the first champion for Mexico. This achievement represents not only my personal journey but also the rich history and tradition of Mexican boxing. I am grateful for the unwavering support of my country, my team, and my fans who have stood by me every step of the way. This victory is a testament to the resilience and determination of the Mexican spirit. I dedicate this win to my fellow Mexicans and promise to continue representing our nation with pride, integrity, and honor in the ring and beyond. Viva México.”
Ramirez repeated the accolade of ‘Mexico’s first ever’ when he became the country’s inaugural super-middleweight champion.
“The reception in Mexico, particularly in my hometown of Mazatlán, has been overwhelmingly heartwarming,” Ramirez continued. “To receive such support and recognition from my fellow countrymen, especially from my beloved community, means the world to me. Mazatlán has always been my source of strength and inspiration, and to know that I’ve made them proud fills me with immense gratitude. The outpouring of support and celebration in my hometown has been truly unforgettable, and I’m deeply honored to represent Mazatlán and Mexico on the global stage.
“Celebrating with my family and keeping things low-key was exactly what I needed after such a monumental win. Spending quality time with loved ones, reflecting on our journey together, and simply enjoying each other’s company made the victory even more meaningful.”
The 32-year-old southpaw joins fellow champions Jai Opetaia (IBF), Chris Billam-Smith (WBO) and Noel Mikaelyan (WBC) at the cruiserweight top table. With all three being aligned with different promoters Ramirez’s free agency could point to unification quite soon.
“The cruiserweight division is one of the toughest divisions in boxing right now,” Ramirez added. “It’s packed with formidable opponents and big names to face. It’s an exciting time to be part of this weight class, with each bout presenting a unique challenge and opportunity to showcase skills and determination. The competition is fierce, but that’s what drives me to push myself to new heights and prove myself against the best in the world. I’m committed to facing top-tier opponents and delivering exciting fights for the fans.”