After undefeated former WBO super middleweight champion and Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (41-0, 27 KOs) deals with Sullivan Barrera (22-3, 14 KOs) on DAZN July 9, he says he has plans to clean out the light heavyweight division against WBC/IBF champ Artur Beterbiev, WBA champ Dmitry Bivol, and WBO champ Joe Smith.
“That’s what the fans want but I’m not sure if these fighters are ready for me,” Ramirez said about Beterbiev, Bivol, and Smith. “I wasn’t impressed by any of the three in their recent bouts. They can run as much as they want, but they can’t hide forever. I know I’m the best in the division and, sooner or later, I will be snatching each of the belts and taking their souls one by one.”
Zurdo says he’s not looking past Barrera though.
“I always expect the best from my opponents,” Ramirez noted. “Barrera is a professional and I know he will be ready when the lights are on. He displayed that he’s a strong fighter when he beat and broke Joe Smith, Jr.’s jaw in their bout. A victory for Barrera can resurge his career and alter my path; so, I prepare for the best version of Barrera, and I will not let anything deter my goals.
“I’ve been working hard. There’s new stuff I’ve been fine tuning and I can’t wait to showcase it July 9th. Come fight night, I know all my hard work will pay off.”
If by “take souls” he means “bore to tears” and by “light heavy champs” he means “fans” then I agree
FREAKING HILARIOUS!
With over three cancellations and his best opponent being Jesse Hart two years ago I don’t know who this guy is but he sure loves to talk a lot.
Zurdo should have been a household name by now where everyone knows him smh
well Joe smith, Bivol and especialy Betterbiev are skilled and dangerous. No way does Canelo fight any of them but IF Zurdo can take the belts Canelo will need to take the all Mexican challenge for unified LHVY champ.
You said Joe Smith was skilled or was that a typo?
For a former World Champion, undefeated in 41 fights against very credible opposition, Zurdo still flies largely under the radar. I think he’s with Golden Boy, is that his problem? I wouldn’t think so, but maybe Oscar is dropping the ball in effectively promoting him. He’s a good looking dude who can fight! Isn’t that what boxing stars are made of? He will KO Barrera, than make a major move in the division later this year.
Ramirez in 2!
Agree why he isn’t a LH champ now amazes me, bad promoting maybe. The guy can fight no doubt. He should at least be mandatory by now.
Glad we agree! No one makes it to the 3rd round in your world, huh?
I think this will be his first actual fight with Golden Boy. He was with Top Rank for a long time then sat out that contract and then promoted his own last fight, I believe. I can’t imagine Canelo is in a hurry to work with Oscar, but if Zurdo does manage to get a belt at 175, I think he’ll be interested.
So, you have to be good looking to be a star in boxing? I didn’t know that.
My moron alert just went off!
*then make a major move…Grammar counts!
It makes me sad to not see a more active Zurdo because he has solid tools to create some drama at 175. However, action must solidify talk.
The Zurdo camp must get him in the competitive mix, so the world can further witness if he has the physical strength, chin, stamina and punching power at 175. Let’s hope Barrera provides a sturdy test for Zurdo. I also want to see if Zurdo uses his jab at 175.
It’s too bad Zurdo could not stay at 168.
Barrera will provide more than a sturdy test…….he’ll knock Zurdo back to where the cartels roam!
Barrera by KO in 10!
You must be the President and sole member of the Sullivan Barrera fan club
Hope this is not talking only. Zurdo can fight and I don’t understand why he’s been protected for so long.
Zurdo has the skills not only to challenge these three. I think he might manage all three. He’s already beaten boxers like Hart, Abraham and Vlasov.
Beterbiev is getting old, Smith Jr has been exposed more than once and Bivol is rather one-dimensional and predictable. That was a bit harsh perhaps but it still has truth in it.
Inactivity is Zurdos biggest problem today. Only two fights since dec-18. Barrera is a good start and a true test. If he gets past Barrera he needs to stay more active, three or four fights a year, maybe another fight and then Smith Jr, then probably Beterbiev due to his age and finally Bivol.
Difficult yes, but not impossible.
“don’t understand why he’s been protected for so long”
LMAO! You do t know?
Cause he’s a second rate fighter….that’s why!
Then he is the best second rate fighter out there
he better watch his mouth he might end up eating hiswords