Former junior lightweight and lightweight world champion Jose “Sniper” Pedraza (29-3, 14 KOs) hopes to join an elite list of Puerto Rican fighters to win world titles in three weight classes. He can take a giant leap towards that goal when he battles former unified world champion Jose Ramirez in a 12-round junior welterweight main event Friday, March 4 at Save Mart Center in Fresno, California. The winner will be positioned to fight for a world title later this year.
This is what Pedraza had to say after a recent training session in Puerto Rico.
“We have the title in our sights, and at this point, only the best are left standing on the road to the world championship. March 4 against Ramírez will be a very important fight, since the winner will be ready to challenge for a world title. That’s why I feel like this is a world title match. March 4 against Ramírez, this is all or nothing.”
“Facing a Mexican warrior like Ramírez and being part of the historic rivalry between Mexico and Puerto Rico is something very important and a great responsibility. At the same time, it’s a great thrill to give the fans a legendary match that they will remember forever. I want to put up a great fight. I want to give the fans a war.”
“My goal since moving up to 140 pounds has been to win a world title to add myself to the select group of Puerto Rican champions in three weight divisions. I want to be in that group along with ‘Tito’, Cotto, Gomez, Camacho, and Vázquez, among others. I already feel that my body is acclimated to the division, and now I am ready to achieve my goal.”
“Representing Puerto Rico means a lot to me. Since the beginning of my boxing career, I have always felt the support of my Island, and that is why every single time I get in the ring, I have my people in my heart. I always feel the good wishes and good vibes of my people, and that is why I always dedicate my fights to my island.”
The entire Ramirez-Pedraza card will stream live and exclusively on ESPN+.
He will have his hands full on fight night but I think he has a chance to pull off a mild upset. Should be a good fight.
I am pulling for Ramirez but I really respect Pedraza he’s a decent classy dude who is down to earth and humble.
Good luck to both men..
Ramirez will emerge victorious. Pedraza does not have the punching power that Ramirez does, especially to the body. I have seen in person all of Ramerirez fights and what he did to Hooker in Arlington, was a lesson in body attack, and he’ll do the same to Pedraza… I have great respect for both fighters, and their professionalism, but Ramirez wins by TKO round 9—-12. Too powerful.
Ramirez tenacity and power will be a problem for Pedraza. He needs to move and use his boxing IQ.