Undefeated contender Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (41-0, 27 KOs) will make his Golden Boy debut in a Mexico vs. Cuba battle as he takes on Sullivan Barrera (22-3, 14 KOs) in a 12-round light heavyweight fight. The event will take place on Friday, July 9 and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN worldwide.
Details regarding the venue, which will be in Los Angeles, will be announced shortly.
“There are a lot of major players in the light heavyweight division right now, and Gilberto Ramirez is ready to demonstrate that he is very much among them,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy. “Sullivan Barrera possesses a decorated amateur background and has a lot of experience in this weight class, but Ramirez is totally committed to becoming a two-division champion. Zurdo’s world title campaign and his journey to 50-0 will start on July 9.”
“I’m excited to be headlining this show in Los Angeles with Golden Boy Promotions,” said Ramirez. “It’s going to be a great night of boxing with fans back in the stands. I’ve always enjoyed fighting here, and I can’t wait to put on a show to continue my hunt for the light heavyweight championship. I appreciate Oscar and the Golden Boy family for their love and support, and I look will forward to a great night of boxing.”
Barrera stated, “I’m excited to have the opportunity to headline such a big card against Gilberto Ramirez. I know that my opponent is a former world champion with a lot of experience and that he will come very much prepared. However, I feel that I have faced much better opposition. I’ve also spent my entire career in the light heavyweight division, something that will be totally new for him. It will be a difficult fight, but I will walk away with my hands raised in victory.”
In the co-main event, Joseph “Jo Jo” Diaz Jr. (31-1-1, 15 KOs) of South El Monte, California will step up to 135 pounds to take on Javier “El Abejon” Fortuna (36-2-1, 25 KOs) of La Romana, Dominican Republic in a 12-round bout.
“I’m stepping in for Ryan Garcia to challenge Javier Fortuna,” said Diaz. “I wish him nothing but the best. Mental health is a very important matter that people should deal with. I’m excited and ready to go out there and redeem myself to all my fans. I’m extremely focused and locked in. Fight night is going to be a movie. I’ll be putting the whole 130 and 135-pound division on notice.”
“I’m very happy that Jo Jo Diaz has accepted the challenge to face me, as long as after the fight he makes no excuses for getting knocked out”, said Javier Fortuna. “I give Diaz credit for having the balls to fight me. Devin Haney doesn’t have those balls. But after I win this fight, Haney will have 90 days to find them. Haney can run but he can’t hide. Fight me or give up the WBC title!”
That’s a pretty good card actually. Diaz – Fortuna should be fun.
Sullivan has only been stopped once and that was against Bivol who is one heck of a great fighter. Took Joe Smith Jr to school so with his tyle he may be able to pull off this upset against Zurdo. Zurdo is good and young and has looked good in past fights but needs to look dominant and impressive in future fights. A stoppage win against Barrera may help him out.
another great card so far. Fights are being made in 2021.
Cubano no, pero Fidelis avaya Harvard..Ete Constella? No..Geraldo y Edger y Sacre…Stella ete Ingless discrete direcsion….Stella? no star…Nortstar? No North field…MMmmm Apetta..Bannanas? Quando..Barerro! ete Barister primo mas mucho…Senior, y Marquez” y Morales Azztecka…mm huh..Ur..wien? no! wirst…Vapour. bye bye ME.. Cuomo? Board of director kickback per New England? Quiet Man ..Campion..Ahh ha? Larry the Lobster…Goosen…
Zurdo is the biggest talker and never do’er in boxing today. How his few delusional fans can think he can beat the top guys at 175 is beyond me. You can’t go from the B and C level your entire career right to the A. Zurdo and his casual fans are in for a rude awakening if this fraud ever actually does step up. The truth is, he can probably make a lot of money being a contender his whole career while holding an insignificant World title at 168 once upon a Time.
I could be 50-0 too if I fought my neighbors
Doubt that anyone is making it to 50-0 in coming years,if Zurdo can pull this off in this division would be crazy,with platform and business that boxing is today it would be good to see if a fighter makes a career of beating their neighbors to see how far they get but no way could they make it to 50 wins!