loading…
Former WBO super middleweight world champion, Gilberto Ramirez, is trying to organize his career after suffering his first professional defeat to Dmitrii Bivol. / Photo: Instagram @zurdoramirez
MAZATLAN – Former WBO super middleweight world champion, Gilberto Ramirez, is trying to organize his career. The boxer, who has played his last matches in the light heavyweight class, will try out a new division, namely cruiserweight.
In his cruiserweight debut, Ramirez will face former WBO light heavyweight champion Joe Smith Jr. Their duel is planned to be held in Las Vegas, United States, Saturday (7/10/2023) evening local time.
For Ramirez, this fight will be his first appearance after suffering a unanimous decision defeat to WBA Super light heavyweight champion, Dmitrii Bivol in November last year. So how is Ramirez preparing for his first fight at cruiserweight?
“I feel very good in the cruiserweight division. This is the division I have lived in all my life. I feel much stronger in this class and most importantly, I feel healthy,” said Ramirez, as quoted by Boxing Scene, Wednesday (4/10 /2023).
“Facing the loss to Bivol was very difficult. It hurt my soul and hurt my ego as a fighter. Now that I can get through it, I want to come back stronger and want to win. I want to feel that I can do it,” continued the owner of the 44-year record. 1 (30KO).
This 32 year old fighter never won a title during his career in the light heavyweight class throughout 2019-2022 or 6 fights. However, he has beaten experienced title challengers such as Yunieski Gonzalez and Sullivan Barrera.
As Ramirez, Joe Smith Jr. will also make his cruiserweight debut in this weekend’s match. Nevertheless, Ramirez remains wary of the abilities of Joe Smith Jr., who suffered a second round TKO defeat to Artur Beterbiev in his last appearance in June 2022.
“I’ve watched Joe Smith Jr. for many years, probably his whole career. He’s a great fighter, and it’s very exciting for me to face him, because he’s a former world champion, he’s faced a lot of former champions and top opponents who great,” said Ramirez.
“I am very excited for me and my team to return on October 7 in Las Vegas. I am most excited for myself, because some of the best shows happen in Vegas,” he concluded.
(ask)