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Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramírez will make his cruiserweight debut and The Mexican wants to prove his worth in the division when he faces former champion Joe Smith Jr. on Oct. 7 at The Chelsea Lounge at The Cosmopolitan Casino in Las Vegas.
In an interview with BoxingScene, Zurdo Ramírez explained that this move to cruiserweight is the most appropriate because it will provide him with great opportunities and challenges. He added that together with his team they have made the necessary transition and preparation for this new chapter in their career.
“This fight marks my promotion to the cruiserweight division. (…) As I progressed during my career, I gained muscle mass and strength, which made me more suitable to compete in the cruiserweight division. Furthermore, we believe that this move will provide me with new and exciting challenges and opportunities. (…) I have worked closely with my trainers and trainers to ensure a smooth transition in terms of training, strategy and overall preparation. While it is a new chapter in my career, I embrace the change and look forward to proving myself at cruiserweight.”, said.
Regarding Joe Smith Jr., the Mexican showed respect and admiration for his rival and indicated that these are the kinds of challenges that will help him cement himself in the division and get the world championship shot.
“I have nothing but respect for Joe. He is a great fighter and former world champion. But when I made this move to cruiserweight, I specifically asked my promoter to give me the toughest guys. of the division to create a path to a world title fight. I am a fighter and there has never been a fight that I have dodged or parried in my career and this is no different. Of course, any fight at this level will definitely determine the future and possible next steps. I know how difficult what is at stake is and I want to prove to myself that I can be world champion in this division”, commented Zurdo Ramírez.
It should be noted that this confrontation will help one of the two former world champions get back to winning ways in sport. A victory for the Mexican or the American could consolidate them in the cruiserweight division where they could have the opportunity to fight for another title in their career.
Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramírez, 32, is going through a bad moment in his career. The Mexican suffered his first loss to Dimitry Bivol, in November 2022, and five months later he failed the weigh-in for his fight back in the ring, which was cancelled. As a professional, The Sinaloan boxer has a record of 44 victories, 30 of them by way of knockout, and one setback.
For his part, Joe Smith, 33, last stepped into the ring a year ago when he lost his World Boxing Organization (WBO) light heavyweight title to Beterbiev. The American It has a record of 28 wins (22 on the fast track) and 4 losses.
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