Gilberto Ramirez Ready To Prove He’s the Best Light Heavyweight in the World
In a discussion about the best fighters in the light heavyweight division, Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (42-0, 28 KOs) is a name that usually does not come up very often. Many fans view the former WBO world super middleweight champion as a bit of an afterthought. Still, it’s not how the 30-year-old from Mazatlan, Sinaloa, Mexico looks at himself. In his mind, he’s at the top of the mountain at 175 pounds. Having inked a promotional deal with Golden Boy in February of 2021, the former champ says that his time is now, during an interview with The Ring.
“It’s a tough division with great champions. But I know I’m the best, and I’m on a mission to take over.
I never force things. It’ll just happen over time, and that’s the reason why I’ve linked with Golden Boy. I have full faith in Oscar [De La Hoya], Eric [Gomez], and Robert [Diaz], and know it’s just a matter of time.”
Unified world IBF/WBC champ Artur Beterbiev, WBA ‘super’ world champ Dmitry Bivol, and WBO world champ Joe Smith are considered the best at light heavyweight at the present moment. Ramirez begs to differ. He gave a rather dismissive assessment of the world titleholders in the division.
“Artur’s [Beterbiev’s] days are numbered in the sport. Joe Smith [Jr.] just isn’t on my level, and I’m just simply better than [Dmitry] Bivol. There’s a reason why these guys stay silent.”
ZURDO’S DILEMMA
While “Zurdo” believes he’s the man at 175, this is his problem. It doesn’t matter that the talented southpaw is undefeated and a former world champ. It doesn’t matter that he’s currently ranked second by the WBO and fourth by the IBF at 175 pounds. These achievements will only take you so far.
Over the last decade, an interplay exists between what a fighter does in the ring and evolving social media dynamics. Contemporary boxing is very much driven by what have you done lately. It’s also about making a statement in the ring that will have fans and pundits talking about you.
The truth is that since relinquishing the WBO title at super middleweight in May of 2019, Ramirez has done enough to keep himself front and center on the minds of hardcore fans and media pundits.
BRING ON BIVOL
There’s been no word from Golden Boy in terms of Ramirez’s next fight. But if it was up to the fighter, he certainly has someone in mind.
“Bivol called me out publicly and on social media, but haven’t heard from him since. If he’s serious, he knows I’m available, and we can make it happen with ease on DAZN.”
To his credit, Ramirez looked good in his last fight in July of 2021 as he KO’d former title challenger Sullivan Barrera in four rounds. But, more must be done. It’s one thing to feel and say that you’re the best. Now you must go out there and prove it.
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
