Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez makes his ring return this Saturday, October 7 at The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas towards fellow former-world champion Joe Smith Jr. Each fighters make their cruiserweight debut within the bout contested at 190 kilos. The 12-round conflict airs stay on DAZN.
“Zurdo” Ramirez (44-1, 30 KOs) final fought in November 2022, when he challenged Dmitry Bivol for his WBA mild heavyweight title, however fell quick dropping a unanimous determination. The 32-year-old of Mazatlan, Mexico was then scheduled to face Gabriel Rosado within the mild heavyweight bout in March. The competition fell off after former WBO tremendous middleweight champion missed weight.
“The cancellation of the Rosado struggle was undoubtedly a disappointing and difficult second in my profession,” Ramirez stated. “It was the primary time I missed weight and I take full duty for it. I perceive that it had an affect on each the struggle itself and my repute. I need to sincerely apologize to my followers, my group, and everybody who was trying ahead to the struggle.”
“I’m conscious that setbacks like this will have an effect however I consider that how I reply to adversity is what really issues. I’m decided to point out via my actions and performances that I’m devoted to my profession and to rectify my previous errors. I’m specializing in the current and future, and I’m trying ahead to proving myself in upcoming fights and regaining the belief of those that help me.”
‘I’ve realized from my errors’
In his subsequent struggle, “Zurdo” Ramirez faces Joe Smith Jr (28-4, 22 KOs) – a former WBO mild heavyweight champion. The 33-year-old of Lengthy Island, New York additionally makes his ring return, stepping contained in the squared circle type the primary since June 2022 when he was stopped by Artur Beterbiev within the second spherical of their championship unification.
“I take full duty for not making weight and for any disappointment it induced,” Ramirez stated. “Transferring ahead, I’m making a number of adjustments to make sure that such a state of affairs doesn’t occur once more, Furthermore, the expertise has motivated me to redouble my efforts in each side of my coaching camp. From my conditioning and talent growth to my psychological preparedness, I’m leaving no stone unturned, I’m decided to show that I’ve realized from my errors and that I’m absolutely dedicated to my profession and the expectations that include it.”
“In the end, I perceive that actions converse louder than phrases, and I’m devoted to displaying via my efficiency that I’ve taken the required steps to rectify the state of affairs and are available again stronger and extra centered than ever.”
‘Each struggle is completely different’
Over the course of their respective careers, “Zurdo” Ramirez and Joe Smith Jr. have confronted as many as 4 frequent opponents. Each misplaced by UD towards Bivol. Each defeated Maxim Vlasov and Jesse Hart by break up determination and majority determination, respectively. Plus, “Zurdo” stopped Sullivan Barrera within the fourth spherical, whereas Smith misplaced the struggle towards the Cuban boxer by unanimous determination.
As per Full Courtroom Press, Ramirez doesn’t see a bonus based mostly on this frequent opponent comparability.
“Each struggle is completely different, and I don’t ever evaluate any struggle in that method,” Ramirez stated. “Joe is a world champion who I do know on struggle night time will include every part he has to turn into victorious.”
Within the UK and Australia, Zurdo vs Smith airs stay on Sunday, October 8.