LAS VEGAS (August 9, 2021) – Undefeated Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (42-0, 28 KOs), the first Mexican boxer to capture the World super middleweight title, is now the World light heavyweight champion in waiting. “Zurdo” is currently rated No. 2 by the World Boxing Organization (WBO) and No. 5 by the International Boxing Federation (IBF).

After Ramirez’ recent knockout victory over Sullivan Barrera (22-3, 14 KOs), it appeared that the boxing stars had aligned and “Zurdo” would challenge WBA Super World Light Heavyweight Champion Dmitry Bivol later this year. It still may happen, however, Bivol offered to replace Caleb Plant next month against WBA and WBC Super Middleweight Champion “Saul “Canelo” Alvarez (56-1-2, 38 KOs) at either super middleweight or light heavyweight.

The 30-year Ramirez understands why Bivol would challenge “Canelo,” and he still welcomes a fight against Bivol, or either of the other World light heavyweight title holders, Artur Beterbiev (WBC/IBF) and Joe Smith, Jr. (WBO), scheduled to fight each other in a unification match this year.

“People may say he is avoiding me by chasing the ‘Canelo’ fight,” Ramirez commented, “but I hope he gets it. Everyone knows ‘Canelo’ is the lottery ticket. At the moment I can’t hate on him (Bivol) for taking his shot. But, if the fight doesn’t happen, he and his team know I’m available and there won’t be any other fight or excuse to avoid me. I’m open to fighting any of the World champions in the light heavyweight division. I’ve always said I’m the best in the division and there’s no one I wouldn’t fight for the title assuming all the other variables align.”

“Zurdo” never really gets out of shape. He’s back home in Mazatlán (Mexico) running, doing yoga, golfing, and doing a little bit of boxing.

“As I get closer to my fight news,” Ramirez remarked, “I’ll start my pre-camp to make sure I’m at my target weight before even entering training camp. It’s not like my teenage years, so I need to make sure everything is precise and on track before camp.”

For his most recent fight versus Barrera, Ramirez trained at his ultramodern Brickhouse Boxing Club in North Hollywood, California, in which “Zurdo” is a member of the 3PM Group ownership. Ramirez reports the gym is running smoothly and that he’s happy it’s a community space where a lot of professional athletes train such as fighters David Benavidez, Gerald Washington, Cem Kilic and John “Scrappy” Ramirez (no relations), as well as UFC fighters TJ Dillashaw, Giga Chikadze and Marvin Vettori, among the more notables.

“I’ve known Bivol from before (they sparred) and he’s a tough fighter with a warrior mentality,” Ramirez concluded. “I just hope he’s not just a talker and doesn’t retract from calling me out publicly on social media and announcing it to the world. Everyone knows it’s an easy fight to make (Ramirez and Bivol have fought on DAZN). I know nothing on my side (Team Zurdo & his promoter Golden Boy) is holding it back from making it happen.”

LOS ANGELES (July 15, 2021) – Undefeated Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez’ stock recently rose even higher after his sensational fourth-round stoppage of world title challenger Sullivan Barrera (22-3, 14 KOs), positioning the gifted Mexican boxer for a world title shot in the light heavyweight division, and putting the three world champions on notice.

After notching his 42nd pro victory without a loss, “Zurdo” drew rave reviews for his impressive performance and all-around style, which showcased a punishing body attack, decking Barrera three different times. It’s important to note that Barrera went the distance with Hall of Famer Andre Ward and WBA Super World Light Heavyweight Champion Dmitry Bivol didn’t finish off the Cuban until the 12th round.

The 30-year Ramirez, who made his debut under the Golden Boy banner, issued a loud statement to the three reigning world light heavyweight champions: Bivol, Artur Beterbiev (WBC/IBF) and Joe Smith, Jr. (WBO).

“I knew I had to come out strong and make a statement,” Ramirez spoke about the Barrera fight. “Barrera is a tough, strong opponent who has fought the best. I had visioned all this in training camp and wanted to showcase my skills. Golden Boy did a great job promoting the show and I wanted to make sure I did my best job in the ring.

“I’ve always loved going to the body early. My team and I have worked on several areas including the improvement of my body shots that was evident during the fight. I’m at my best today! I’m comfortable at this weight and believe the combination of my new and improved power and ring experience makes me a dangerous fighter.”

Prior to Ramirez’ fight versus Barrera, Bivol (18-0 11 KOs) posted the following on social media: “@zurdoramirez, I’ve never avoided a challenge. Good luck to you in the fight against Barrera and after that let’s make it happen.”

“Zurdo” has a better shot at fighting Bivol this year than the other two world champions who are tentatively scheduled to face each other in a unification fight. Ramirez and Bivol want this fight, as do their respective camps, along with boxing fans worldwide. They’ve both also fought on DAZN as well.

“Bivol is definitely one of my main targets,” Ramirez explained. “Both our teams have explored the fight and they know where to find me. After calling me out on the internet, I’ll be surprised if he retracts from his comments; it’s boxing and you can never be too confident until contracts are signed. He called me out on social media and his side knows I’m available. If it doesn’t happen, I’m sure he would have a good reason why, but, at the end of the day, I’m 100-percent for this fight and his team is fully aware of it.”

Ramirez couldn’t have been happier with his Golden Boy debut.

“It was exactly how I had envisioned,” Ramirez concluded. “Oscar (de la Hoya) and his entire staff were great and really made us feel comfortable throughout the process. It was a great show and I really enjoyed working our first of many shows together.”

Will Bivol accept the challenge and fight “Zurdo”? Stay tuned, the clock’s ticking.

INFORMATION:

Website: www.ZurdoPromotions.com

Instagram: @zurdoramirez, @zurdopromotions

Twitter: @ZurdoPromotions, @GilbertoZurdoRamirez

Gilberto Ramirez stopped Sullivan Barrera in round four of a scheduled 12-round light heavyweight bout at Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles.

In round three, Ramirez dropped Barrera with a straight left to the body. In round four, it was the same exact same shot that sent Barrera down again. Ramirez ended things a few seconds later when he landed another straight left to the body that made Barrera take a step back and go to his knees and the fight was stopped at 1:34.

Ramirez, 174.6 lbs of Mazaltan. MEX is 42-0 with 28 knockouts. Barrera, 174.6 lbs of Miami is 22-4.

Diaz Decisions Fortuna; Wins Interim Lightweight Title

Joseph Diaz won the WBC Interim Lightweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Javier Fortuna.

It was a competitive fight with both guys throwing and landing at close range. Diaz was just a little quicker in those exchanges, and was able to get the better of most of the action.

In round three, Diaz was cut around the left eye due to an accidental headbutt. In round four, Diaz was deducted a point for hitting behind the head.

Diaz landed 203 of 521 punches; Fortuna was 193 of 761.

Diaz, 134.4 lbs of South El Monte, CA won by scores of 117-110, 116-111 and 115-112 and is now 32-1-1. Fortuna, 134.6 lbs of Lo Romana, DR is 36-3-1.

Estrada decisions Tsunami; Wins Light Flyweight Belt

Seneisa Estrada added the WBA Light Flyweight world title to her WBO Minimumweight title with a 10-round unanimous decision over Tenkai Tsunami.

Estrada was the more active fighter who landed some crisp-combinations on the aggressive no former champion.

Estrada laded 131 of 464 punches; Tsunami was 97 of 378.

Estrada, 108 lbs of East Los Angeles, CA won by scores 99-91 and 98-92 twice and is now 21-0. Tsunami, 107.2 lbs of Japan is 28-14-1.

Zepeda stops Tanajara after 6

In a fight featuring undefeated lightweights, William Zepeda stopped Hector Tanajara Jr. after round six of a schedu;ed 10-round lightweight.

Zepeda stayed on the inside and landed combination after combination and Tanajara continued to take punishment. Tanajara tried to fight back, but did not have enough behind his punches to make much of an imprint, and the fight was stopped following round six.

Zepeda, 134.2 lbs of Mexico is 23-0 with 21 knockouts. Tanajra, 135 lbs of San Antonio, TX is 19-1.

Naoko Fujioka retained the WBA Flyweight title with a majority decision over Sulem Urbina.

Fujioka, 111.8 lbs of Tokyo, JAP won by scores of 99-91, 96-94 and 95-95 and is now 19-2-1. Urbina, 112 lbs of Phoenix, AZ is 12-3.

Bryan Chevelier won a 10-round unanimous decision over James Wilkins in a featherweight bout.

In round five, Wilkins started to bleed from his mouth.

In round eight, Chevalier was deducted a point for pushing the head of Wilkins down.

Chevalier, 126 lbs of Puerto Rico won by scores of 97-92, 96-93 and 95-94 and is now 16-1-1. Wilkins, 125.8 lbs of Staten Island, NY is 9-2.

In a battle of former world title challengers, Lamont Roach Jr. took out Daniel Rosas in round two of a scheduled 10-round super featherweight bout.

In round two, Roach landed a hard flurry that was finished off with a hard right to the body and Rosas went to the deck and the fight was stopped at 2:14.

Rpach, 130 lbs of Washington, DC is now 21-1-1 with nine knockouts. Rosas, 128.2 lbs of Mexico City, MEX is 21-5-1.

Miguel Gaona made a successful pro debut with a four-round unanimous decision over Gilberto Aguilar in a lightweight fight.

Gaona, 135 lbs of Serano, CA won by scores of 39-37 on all cards and is now 1-0. Aguilar, 134 lbs of Mexico City, MEX is 0-3.

Azat Hovhsnnisyan won a 10-round unanimous decision over Jose Gonzalez in a super bantamweight match.

In round three, Hovhannisyan started to swell under his right eye.

In round eight, Hovahannisyan landed a huge barrage of punches that sent Gonzalez down.

Hovhannisyan, 122 lbs of Los Angeles, CA won by scores of 100-89 and 99-90 twice and is now 20-3. Gonzalez, 121.6 lbs of Guadalajara, MEX is 23-7-1.

Mihai Nistor was dropped twice, but was able to come back and stop Colby Madison in round two of a scheduled eight-round heavyweight slugfest

In round one, Nistor sent Madison to a knee with a body shot. At the end of the round Madison dropped Nistor with a hard right hand. In round two, Madison dropped Nistor with a big counter right. Later in the round, Nistor landed a wild overhand right that dropped Madison and the fight was stopped upon Madison getting to his feet at

Nistor, 223 lbs of Bucharest, ROM is 3-0 with three knockouts. Madison, 229.6 lbs of Baltimore, MD is 9-3-2.

In a battle of undefeated super lightweights, Starling Castillo viciously stopped Miguel Contreras in round two of a scheduled eight-round bout.

Castillo landed a nasty straight left that knocked Contreras straight out and the fight was stopped at 46 seconds.

Castillo, 135.6 lbs of San Cristobal, DR is 15-0 with 12 knockouts. Contreras, 133.4 lbs of Bakersfield, CA is 11-1.

Gregory Morales remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over former super flyweight world champion Rodrigo Guerrero in a featherweight fight.

In round three, Morales began to bleed from the nose.

Morales, 124 lbs of San Antonio, TX won by scores of 59-55 on all cards and is now 13-0. Guerrero, 123.6 lbs of Mexico City is 26-12-2.

LOS ANGELES, CA (July 7, 2021) – Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (41-0, 27 KOs) and Sullivan Barrera (22-3, 14 KOs) hosted their final press conference today at Banc of California Stadium, home of their July 9 fight which will be streamed live on DAZN. They were joined by several members of the undercard, including Joseph Diaz Jr. (31-1-1, 15 KOs) and Seniesa Estrada (20-0, 8 KOs).

Below is what the main event participants had to say today:

GILBERTO RAMIREZ, Light Heavyweight Contender:
“This Friday, we are going to put on a great show. I know Sullivan Barrera very well and he knows me. We know that each of us always comes well prepared and ready to put on a show. But at the end of the day, I’ll be the one to come out with my hands raised in victory. I’m going to come out with a record of 42 wins and 28 knockouts.”

“The road to this fight has been exciting. I am happy to be working with Golden Boy Promotions. I am grateful for the opportunity. I want to give a great performance and show all my skills. I’m going to give the fans what they want: good fights!”

“I’m also very excited to be fighting here at Banc of California Stadium. I can’t wait to see all the people here, who are finally back to these kinds of events. There will be a lot of Mexicans and Latinos coming here to support me, so I can’t wait to give them a great show.”

SULLIVAN BARRERA, Light Heavyweight Contender:
“I respect Zurdo Ramírez a lot. We have known each other for a long time. As he said, we know that each of us trains hard. We know that because we have trained together and sparred. But now is the time to put on a great show for all the fans.”

“Everyone knows what I have done in this division. My experience says a lot. I have some loses, but they were against very tough fighters. My experience will be a big factor.”

“Zurdo Ramirez has a lot of skills. He does of things very well. But I have to do everything necessary to win this fight and earn another title shot. A win will help me get that opportunity.”

#

Zurdo vs. Barrera is a 12-round special attraction in the light heavyweight division presented by Golden Boy in association with Zurdo Promotions. Diaz Jr. vs. Fortuna is a 12-round battle for the vacant WBC Interim Lightweight Championship presented by Golden Boy in association with Sampson Boxing. The event is sponsored by Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle” and “BetOnline – Your Online Sportsbook Experts.” The fight will take place on Friday, July 9 at Banc of California Stadium in Downtown Los Angeles and will be streamed live on DAZN.

Tickets for Zurdo vs. Barrera are on sale and are priced at $150, $75, $50 and $35, not including applicable service charges. In an effort to promote social distancing, tickets will initially be sold in pods/groupings of 2, 3, 4 and 6 people only, subject to change with local and state guidelines. Tickets will be available for purchase at www.bancofcaliforniastadium.com or www.ticketmaster.com. The Banc of California Stadium is located in historic Exposition Park, 3939 S. Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90037.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZNBoxing. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoy and https://www.facebook.com/DAZN. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy and @DAZNBoxing. Follow the conversation using #ZurdoBarrera

Photos and videos are available for download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link: http://bit.ly/ZurdoBarrera into a browser. Credit must be provided to Golden Boy for any photo and/or video usage.

LOS ANGELES, CA (July 6, 2021) – Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (41-0, 27 KOs) and Sullivan Barrera (22-3, 14 KOs) hosted a media workout today at Banc of California Stadium, home of their July 9 fight which will be streamed live on DAZN. They were joined by several members of the undercard, including Joseph Diaz Jr. (31-1-1, 15 KOs) and Seniesa Estrada (20-0, 8 KOs).

Below is what the main event participants had to say:

GILBERTO RAMIREZ, Light Heavyweight Contender:
“I see every fight as an opportunity. This is my chance to start my path to becoming a two-division world champion. I know this is a tough fight. It will be very difficult for me. He has a lot of experience, and he’s fought against a lot of good fighters. But he’s never faced anyone like me. This Friday, you will all see the best version of Zurdo Ramirez. I’m here to take all of the belts at light heavyweight. I’m here to take the souls of all the warriors at this division.”

SULLIVAN BARRERA, Light Heavyweight Contender:
“I feel good. I feel great. After two years of being away from the ring, it’s great to be able to come back at such a high level. This is a great opportunity to show people what I am made of. Ramirez is a tough challenge. I know the kind of style he’s going to bring. He’s going to want to push me back and throw a lot of punches. But that’s not the kind of fight that I want. I want to be in the center of the ring, and I’m going to be the one pushing him back.”

#

Zurdo vs. Barrera is a 12-round special attraction in the light heavyweight division presented by Golden Boy in association with Zurdo Promotions. Diaz Jr. vs. Fortuna is a 12-round battle for the vacant WBC Interim Lightweight Championship presented by Golden Boy in association with Sampson Boxing. The event is sponsored by Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle” and “BetOnline – Your Online Sportsbook Experts.” The fight will take place on Friday, July 9 at Banc of California Stadium in Downtown Los Angeles and will be streamed live on DAZN.

Tickets for Zurdo vs. Barrera are on sale and are priced at $150, $75, $50 and $35, not including applicable service charges. In an effort to promote social distancing, tickets will initially be sold in pods/groupings of 2, 3, 4 and 6 people only, subject to change with local and state guidelines. Tickets will be available for purchase at www.bancofcaliforniastadium.com or www.ticketmaster.com. The Banc of California Stadium is located in historic Exposition Park, 3939 S. Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90037.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZNBoxing. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoy and https://www.facebook.com/DAZN. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy and @DAZNBoxing. Follow the conversation using #ZurdoBarrera

LOS ANGELES (June 28, 2021) – Undefeated former WBO Super Middleweight Champion and Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (41-0, 27 KOs), currently a highly ranked light heavyweight contender, will have a lot on the line July 9th against world light heavyweight title challenger Sullivan Barrera (22-3, 14 KOs), including world title fight implications and, ultimately, his boxing legacy,

Zurdo vs. Barrera, presented by Golden Boy Promotions, will be streamed exclusively on DAZN, live from Banc of California Stadium, home of the Los Angeles Football Club (pro soccer), located in downtown Los Angeles.

To get a world light heavyweight title shot against any of the reigning champions – WBC & IBF Artur Beterbiev (16-0 (16 KOs), WBA Super Dmitry Bivol (18-0, 11 KOs) or WBO Joe Smith (27-3, 21 KOs) – Barrera stands in Ramirez’ way in the 12-round Zurdo vs. Barrera main event. Ramirez is ranked No. 3 by the WBA and WBO, as well as No. 5 by the IBF.

“That’s what the fans want but I’m not sure if these fighters are ready for me,” Ramirez boldly 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.”

Ramirez, who recently turned 30 (June 19), was the first Mexican fighter to capture a world super middleweight title, which he relinquished in 2019 to move up to the light heavyweight division, in which he is 2-0 (2 KOs) having defeated Tommy Karpency (29-6-1) and Alphonso Lopez (32-3) last December to capture the North American Boxing Federation (NABF) crown.

A decorated Cuban amateur boxer (285-27 record), 39-year-old Barrera defeated future pro world champions such as Chad Dawson, Beibut Shumenov and Mariano Natalio Carrera prior to defecting from Cuba to Miami and turning pro.

Barrera, fighting out of Cuba by way of Miami, is 3-3 vs. past or present world champions with victories against Jeff Lacy (WTKO4), Karo Murat (WKO12) and Felix Valera (WDEC10), losing to Bivol (TKO12), Smith (DEC10), and Hall of Famer Andre Ward (DEC 12).

“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.”

Tickets are priced at $150, $100, $75, $50 and $35, excluding applicable service charges, and available to purchase at www.bancocaliforniastadium and www.ticketmaster.com.

LOS ANGELES, CA (June 23, 2021) – Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (41-0, 27 KOs), Joseph “Jo Jo” Diaz Jr. (31-1-1, 15 KOs) and Seniesa “Super Bad” Estrada (20-0, 8 KOs) hosted a media workout today at Brickhouse Boxing Club in North Hollywood, California ahead of their respective bouts. All three will return on July 9 live on DAZN from Banc of California Stadium in Downtown Los Angeles.

Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy, also attended the workout.

Below is what today’s participants had to say.

GILBERTO RAMIREZ, Light Heavyweight Contender:
“I feel grateful and happy to be fighting on July 9. It will be an amazing night. There will be a lot of Latinos and a lot of Mexican people supporting. It has given me an additional motivation. It’s going to be a great night, along with Joseph Diaz Jr. and Seniesa Estrada.”

“I expect an explosive fight. We both will come forward. People like seeing explosive fights, and that’s what we are going to deliver. I am doing everything I can in camp to make sure that I win.”

“I’m happy to be with Golden Boy. I joined them because Oscar De La Hoya is my idol. I have been watching him since I was a kid. Also, he is a legend, and that’s what I want to be as well. Together we can make that happen.”

JOSEPH DIAZ JR., Former IBF Super Featherweight Champion:
“I’m ready to defeat this boogeyman that everyone is scared to fight. I’m not afraid or worried about anything he’s going to bring inside that ring. I’ve seen it all already. I’ve covered all of my bases in training camp, and I’m ready to perform on July 9.”

“I’m ready to brawl with him, but I don’t think he’ll want to exchange once he feels my power. He’s going to try to be elusive and try to box. That’s the fight I am expecting. But I can also work with other styles too. If he wants to brawl, we can do that too.”

“I want to deliver a spectacular performance. I’m going there to try to hurt Javier Fortuna. I’m really focused. I’ve just had one of the best training camps of my entire career, and I’m ready.”

SENIESA ESTRADA, WBA Minimumweight World Champion:
“I just fought for a world title in March. Then, I took a couple weeks off training and went right back into the gym. I’m happy to be fighting for another world title. I feel comfortable at all these weight classes, and I see myself fighting and defending titles at 105, 112 and 115 pounds.”

“Tenkai Tsunami is a tough fighter. She has fought in different weight classes, and she has even gone as high as bantamweight. Although she has some losses, they’ve been against legit champions. She has never been stopped either. That shows that she always goes in there to win and to fight.”

“By fighting smart and sticking to my game plan, I will be successful. I think that if all goes as planned, I could even stop her.”

#

Zurdo vs. Barrera is a 12-round special attraction in the light heavyweight division presented by Golden Boy in association with Zurdo Promotions. Diaz Jr. vs. Fortuna is a 12-round battle for the vacant WBC Interim Lightweight Championship presented by Golden Boy in association with Sampson Boxing. The event is sponsored by Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle” and “BetOnline – Your Online Sportsbook Experts.” The fight will take place on Friday, July 9 at Banc of California Stadium in Downtown Los Angeles and will be streamed live on DAZN.

Tickets for Zurdo vs. Barrera are on sale and are priced at $150, $75, $50 and $35, not including applicable service charges. In an effort to promote social distancing, tickets will initially be sold in pods/groupings of 2, 3, 4 and 6 people only, subject to change with local and state guidelines. Tickets will be available for purchase at www.bancofcaliforniastadium.com or www.ticketmaster.com. The Banc of California Stadium is located in historic Exposition Park, 3939 S. Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90037.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZNBoxing. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoy and https://www.facebook.com/DAZN. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy and @DAZNBoxing. Follow the conversation using #ZurdoBarrera

Photos and videos are available for download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link: http://bit.ly/ZurdoBarrera into a browser. Credit must be provided to Golden Boy for any photo and/or video usage.

LOS ANGELES (June 8, 2021) – Undefeated former World Boxing Organization (WBO) Super Middleweight Champion (WBO) Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (41-0, 27 KOs), who will be making his debut as a member of Golden Boy’s stable, goes for his 42nd professional victory July 9th against world light heavyweight title challenger Sullivan Barrera (22-3, 14 KOs).

Zurdo vs. Barrera, presented by Golden Boy Promotions, will be streamed exclusively on DAZN, live from Banc of California Stadium, home of the Los Angeles Football Club (pro soccer), located in downtown Los Angeles.

“I’m very excited to make my debut with Golden Boy,” Ramirez said. “LA’s the home to many Latinos and I can’t wait to share the moment with my people.

“Every fight is the most important fight of my career. Obviously, the goal is to dominate the division and become world champ, and I do believe this match-up versus Barrera is a step in the right direction.”

There will be World title implications for the winner of the 12-round Zurdo vs. Barrera main event. Ramirez is ranked No. 3 by the World Boxing Council (WBA) and WBO, as well as No. 5 by the International Boxing Federation (IBF), which rates Barrera at No. 7 in the world.

Ramirez, 29, was the first Mexican fighter to capture a World super middleweight title, which he relinquished to move up to the light heavyweight division. He is 2-0 (2 KOs) as a 175-pounder, defeating Tommy Karpency (29-6-1) on April 12, 2019, when Karpency was unable to continue fighting after four rounds, along with a 10th round stoppage of Alphonso Lopez (32-3) last December to capture the North American Boxing Federation (NABF) crown.

The 39-year-old Barrera was a decorated Cuban amateur boxer (285-27 record), who was the middleweight gold medalist at the 2000 AIBA Junior World Championships. Barrera, who defected to the United States in 2009 and settled in Miami, beat future pro world champions such as Chad Dawson, Beibut Shumenov and Mariano Natalio Carrera.

During the course of his 12-year pro career, Barrera is 3-3 vs. past or present world champions having defeated Jeff Lacy (WTKO4), Karo Murat (WKO12) and Felix Valera (WDEC10), losing to current WBA Super and IBF World light heavyweight champions, respectively, Dmitry Bivol (TKO12) and Joe Smith Jr. (DEC10), in addition to Hall of Famer Andre Ward (DEC 12).

“Barrera is a tough Cuban veteran with world-class experience,” Ramirez added. He’s fought the best in the past and shown why he’s been in many title fights against them. He even had a one-sided victory over the current WBO champions, Joe Smith, Jr.”

Jesse Hart is the only common opponent; Ramirez won a pair of decisions in World super middleweight title fights against Hart, while Sullivan lost a 10-round light heavyweight decision to the Philadelphia boxer.

Tickets are priced at $150, $100, $75, $50 and $35, excluding applicable service charges, and available to purchase at www.bancocaliforniastadium and www.ticketmaster.com.

INFORMATION:
Website: www.ZurdoPromotions.com
Instagram: @zurdoramirez, @zurdopromotions
Twitter: @ZurdoPromotions, @GilbertoZurdoRamirez

LOS ANGELES, CA (May 27, 2021): Golden Boy is proud to announce two spectacular additions to the Zurdo vs. Barrera undercard as Seniesa “Super Bad” Estrada (20-0, 8 KOs) challenges Tenkai Tsunami (28-12-1, 16 KOs) for the WBO Light Flyweight Championship and Hector Tanajara Jr. (19-0, 5 KOs) faces William “El Camaron” Zepeda (22-0, 20 KOs) in a lightweight clash.

The event will take place on Friday, July 9 at Banc of California Stadium in Downtown Los Angeles and will be streamed live on DAZN.

“When it comes to undercards, nobody does it better than we do,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy. “For all of us at Golden Boy, it is very important for fans to get their money’s worth when attending our events or watching from the comforts of their home. That’s why we are committed to providing a full night of competitive action featuring the likes of Seniesa Estrada, Hector Tanajara Jr., William Zepeda and many more.”

Estrada is a 28-year-old world champion from East Los Angeles, California whose immediate goal is to capture gold in three divisions. In March, she faced Anabel “La Avispa” Ortiz to capture the WBA Minimumweight World Title. Now, she looks to capture a belt a 108 pounds to be one step closer to achieving her goal.

“I’m very excited to be fighting in Los Angeles again,” said Seniesa Estrada. “Fighting at home with my family, friends and fans there is the best feeling. LAFC is going to be a great venue for Golden Boy boxing. I can’t wait to win another world title in a second division.”

Tsunami, who will be defending her 108-pound title, is a two-division world champion who has a lot of experience fighting at a world championship level. Although making her United States debut, Tsunami feels she is not at a disadvantage because she has fought over a dozen times in foreign countries.

“I am excited to accept the challenge of young and fast-rising Estrada,” said Tenkai Tsunami. “I know Estrada is a good boxer. But I have superior experience and skills that I have gotten throughout my 16-year career and which I wish to use to be victorious. This is my first fight in the United States, but have fought in Mexico seven times, once in Chile and six times in Korea.”

As mentioned above, Hector Tanajara Jr. of San Antonio, Texas will face fellow Golden Boy contender William Zepeda of San Mateo Atenco, Mexico in a 10-round lightweight battle.

“These are the kinds of fights that will take my career to the next level,” said Hector Tanajara Jr. “A win against a tough, undefeated southpaw contender will show everyone that I am ready for a world title opportunity. I believe in my skills and my talent, and on July 9, I will put them on full display at Banc of California Stadium.”

“I’m ready to face the most difficult challenge of my career in Hector Tanajara Jr.,” said William Zepeda. “I have worked all my life to be able to fight on big stages such as the Zurdo vs. Barrera event. I know that Tanajara Jr. very elusive fighter, but I will do everything in my power to make him stand in the center of the ring and give a real show to all the fans.”

Diego De La Hoya (22-1, 10 KOs) of Mexicali, Mexico will face Bryan Chevalier (15-1-1, 12 KOs) of Bayamon, Puerto Rico in a 10-round featherweight fight.

In a historic bout for women’s boxing, Naoka Fujioka (18-2-1, 8 KOs), Japan’s only five-division world champion, will defend her WBA Flyweight World Championship against Mexican standout Sulem Urbina (12-1, 2 KOs).

Former world title challenger Lamont Roach Jr. (20-1-1, 8 KOs) of Washington, D.C. will participate in a 10-round super featherweight battle.

Explosive Armenian contender Azat “Crazy A” Hovhannisyan (19-3, 16 KOs) will return in a 10-round super bantamweight fight.

Heavyweight standout Mihai Nistor (2-0, 2 KOs) of Bucharest, Romania will fight in an eight-round bout against Colby Madison (9-2-2, 6 KOs) of Baltimore, Maryland.

Miguel Gaona of El Sereno, California will make his pro debut in a four-round lightweight battle.

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Zurdo vs. Barrera is a 12-round special attraction in the light heavyweight division presented by Golden Boy in association with Zurdo Promotions. Diaz Jr. vs. Fortuna is a 12-round battle for the vacant WBC Interim Lightweight Championship presented by Golden Boy in association with Sampson Boxing. The event is sponsored by Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle” and “BetOnline – Your Online Sportsbook Experts.” The fight will take place on Friday, July 9 at Banc of California Stadium in Downtown Los Angeles and will be streamed live on DAZN.

Tickets for Zurdo vs. Barrera will go on sale Wednesday, June 2 and are priced at $150, $75, $50 and $35, not including applicable service charges. In an effort to promote social distancing, tickets will initially be sold in pods/groupings of 2, 3, 4 and 6 people only, subject to change with local and state guidelines. Tickets will be available for purchase at www.bancofcaliforniastadium.com or www.ticketmaster.com. The Banc of California Stadium is located in historic Exposition Park, 3939 S. Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90037.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZNBoxing. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoy and https://www.facebook.com/DAZN. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy and @DAZNBoxing. Follow the conversation using #ZurdoBarrera

Photos and videos are available for download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link: http://bit.ly/ZurdoBarrera into a browser. Credit must be provided to Golden Boy for any photo and/or video usage.

LAS VEGAS (May 25, 2021) – Back in February of 2019, World Boxing Organization (WBO) Super Middleweight Champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez had made a decision to move up to fight in the light heavyweight division, and he was searching for a new head trainer.

Ramirez (41-0, 27 KOs) immediately connected with a then 28-year-old Julian Chua, a former amateur boxer who had been training boxers at Freddie Roach’s famed Wildcard Boxing Club in Hollywood, California. “Zurdo” and Chua are now 2-0 (2 KOs) and preparing for a mega-fought later this year, ideally, against undefeated World Boxing Association (WBA) Super Light Heavyweight Champion Dmitry Bivol (17-0, 11 KOs).

How Ramirez ended up with Chua as he head trainer isn’t a typical boxing story. After all, “Zurdo” was the first Mexican world super middleweight champion, sporting a 29-0 pro record, and only 27 when they first met.

Ramirez’ manager, David Suh, conducted a search to hire Ramirez’ chief second. He had a list that included some of the top trainers in the industry, as well as a young, relatively unknown – at least outside of southern California – in Chua.

“I don’t know how I got on that list,” a humble Chua said. “There was going to be a tryout of sorts to determine who would work with ‘Zurdo.’ We trained together in Long Beach (where Ramirez was training) and then I met with David for coffee. He asked if I was interested in becoming the head trainer. We trained together a little more. He liked the way I trained, and we got along well. I texted David saying we liked working together and that I was interested in becoming his head trainer.

“We clicked right away, and we learned things about each other and how we liked to train. I study a lot and do a lot of research of how he had been trained, because I wanted to help him to improve. I was getting four fighters ready in LA and “Zurdo” couldn’t go there for sparring. I said I couldn’t leave these fighters and go to Santa Barbara. “Zurdo” respected me even more for not jumping ship from those four fighters for a better opportunity. We still wanted to work with each other, and ‘Zurdo’ made it work. I went to Long Beach twice a week, he came to Wildcard three times.”

Ramirez won his light heavyweight debut April 12, 2019, when Tommy Karpency (29-6-1) was unable to continue after four rounds, followed last December 18th with a 10th round stoppage of Alfonso Lopez (32-3) to capture the North American Boxing Federation (NABF) title.

Chua was trained by Roach when he was an amateur from Indiana, but when Chua started at Wildcard, Roach’s assistant Eric Brown became Chua’s mentor. During his training career at Wildcard West Boxing, known now as Churchill Boxing in Santa Barbara, Chua has trained several world champions in boxing and MMA.

The 29-year-old Ramirez, who recently signed an exclusive promotional contract with Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions, is currently ranked No. 3 by the WBA and WBO. “Zurdo” returns to action July 9th in Los Angeles against Sullivan Barrera (22-3, 14 KOs).

Whether it’s Bivol, or the other world light heavyweight champions — Artur Beterbiev and Joe Smith – “Zurdo” and Chua are preparing to beat the best for Ramirez to wear the coveted World championship crown in a second division.

INFORMATION:
Website: www.ZurdoPromotions.com
Instagram: @zurdoramirez, @zurdopromotions
Twitter: @ZurdoPromotions, @GilbertoZurdoRamirez

LOS ANGELES, CA (May 21, 2021): Golden Boy is delighted to once again deliver world-class boxing to the Los Angeles area as the light heavyweight showdown between Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (41-0, 27 KOs) and Sullivan Barrera (22-3, 14 KOs) heads to the beautiful Banc of California Stadium in Downtown Los Angeles, home of the
Los Angeles Football Club. The event will take place on Friday, July 9 and will be streamed live on DAZN.

“We are ecstatic to be bringing this huge card to the Banc of California Stadium,” Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy. “Fans in Los Angeles are eager to attend a live event of such magnitude, so we are pleased to be able to deliver that with ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez, Joseph Diaz Jr. and a spectacular undercard that will be announced next week. Golden Boy boxing returns home on July 9.”

“Banc of California Stadium and LAFC are excited to welcome Golden Boy to the Heart of Los Angeles,” LAFC Co-President and CBO Larry Freedman said. “This is going to be an incredible night of world-class boxing at our world-class venue.”

Tickets for Zurdo vs. Barrera will go on sale Wednesday, June 2 and are priced at $150, $100, $75, $50 and $35, not including applicable service charges. In an effort to promote social distancing, tickets will initially be sold in pods/groupings of 2, 3, 4 and 6 people only, subject to change with local and state guidelines. Tickets will be available for purchase at www.bancofcaliforniastadium.com or www.ticketmaster.com. The Banc of California Stadium is located in historic Exposition Park, 3939 S. Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90037.

As previously announced, the co-main event will feature Joseph “Jo Jo” Diaz Jr. (31-1-1, 15 KOs) of South El Monte, California taking on Javier “El Abejon” Fortuna (36-2-1, 25 KOs) of La Romana, Dominican Republic in a 12-round lightweight bout.

A full undercard of action will be announced shortly.

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Zurdo vs. Barrera is a 12-round special attraction in the light heavyweight division presented by Golden Boy in association with Zurdo Promotions. Diaz Jr. vs. Fortuna is a 12-round lightweight battle presented by Golden Boy in association with Sampson Boxing. The event is sponsored by Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle” and “BetOnline – Your Online Sportsbook Experts.” The fight will take place on Friday, July 9 at Banc of California Stadium in Downtown Los Angeles and will be streamed live on DAZN.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZNBoxing. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoy and https://www.facebook.com/DAZN. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy and @DAZNBoxing. Follow the conversation using #ZurdoBarrera

Photos and videos are available for download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link: http://bit.ly/ZurdoBarrera into a browser. Credit must be provided to Golden Boy for any photo and/or video usage.

LAS VEGAS (May 19, 2021) – Only five boxers have started their professional careers with a 50-fight win streak and the contemporary leader, 41-0 Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez is on a mission to join the exclusive club, continuing July 9th in Los Angeles against Sullivan Barrera (22-3, 14 KOs).

Ramirez, who recently signed an exclusive promotional contract with Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions, was the first Mexican-born super middleweight World champion, and he is currently the No. 3 rated light heavyweight in the world, by the World Boxing Association (WBA) and World Boxing Organization (WBO).

Although he won’t turn 30 until June 19, Ramirez has been fighting professionally for nearly 12 years, and one of his goals is to become a World champion in two different weight classes. Another is joining his idol and fellow Mexican, Julio Cesar Chavez in the 50-0 Club, in which he is No. 1 having amazingly won his first 87 pro fights. The first blemish on his pro record was a 12-round majority draw with the great Pernell Whitaker in 1993 in their WBC World welterweight title fight.

BOXING’S 50-0 CLUB

1. Julio “J.C. Cesar Chavez 87 (13 KOs) 1980-1993 Mexico
2. Willie “Wil ‘o The Wisp” Pep 62 (23 KOs) 1940-1943 USA
3. Wanheng Menayothin 54 (18 KOs) 2009-2019 Thailand
4. Carlos “Canas” Zarate 52 (51 KOs) 1970-1978 Mexico
5. Floyd “Money” Mayweather, Jr. 50 (27 KOs) 1996-2017 USA

“Getting to 50-0 is very important, but I’m more interested in being able to fight the fights the fans want,” Ramirez said. “I’ve never turned down a fight and have made it clear to all the fighters I want. I look across the division and none of these fighters are on my level”

Chavez moved ahead of featherweight icon Will Pep at 62, No. 2 on the contemporary list, compiled in less than three years dating back to the 1940’s. Pep lost for the first time as a pro to Sammy Angott by 10-round decision in 1943.

Thailand mini-flyweight Wanheng Menayothin, originally a Muay Thai fighter, had his streak snapped last November at 54 by Panya Pradabsri.

Another Mexican boxer is in the 50-0 Club, No. 4 Carlos Zarate, who reached 52 straight victories off his pro debut, 51 by knockout, in the 1970’s. Zarate was stopped in his 53rd fight by Puerto Rican star Wilfredo Gomez in the fifth round of their 1978 WBC super bantamweight World championship match.

The only member of the exclusive 50-0 Club to retire undefeated is Floyd “Money” Mayweather, Jr. in fifth place with 50.

The four inactive boxers in the club – Chavez, Pep, Zarate, and Mayweather – are inducted in the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

Rocky Marciano and Brian Nielson (49), Larry Holmes (48), Ricardo Lopez (47), Joe Calzaghe (46-0) and Jim Barry (45) all came close to 50-0 memberships. Lopez (51-0-1) fought a draw in his 48th pro fight with Rosendo Alvarez.

Ramirez is closing in on boxing history as he fights for his legacy. Five years after he retires, “Zurdo” should rightfully join the four Hall of Famers who are presently ahead of him on the 50-Club list.

INFORMATION:

Website: www.ZurdoPromotions.com
Instagram: @zurdoramirez, @zurdopromotions
Twitter: @ZurdoPromotions, @GilbertoZurdoRamirez

LOS ANGELES, CA (May 18, 2021): 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.”

Despite being only 29 years old, Ramirez has over a decade of experience under his belt, debuting as a professional in 2009 and embarking on a career that would see him defeating the likes of Maxim Vlasov, Jessie “Hard Work” Hart and “King” Arthur Abraham, whom he defeated to become the WBO Super Middleweight World Champion. After five defenses of his belt, Ramirez moved up to light heavyweight, where he has scored wins against Thomas “Kryptonite” Karpency and Alfonso “El Tigre” Lopez. Ramirez’s goal is to maintain his undefeated streak beyond 50 fights and to become a two-division world champion.

“I’m excited to be headlining this show in Los Angeles with Golden Boy Promotions,” said Gilberto 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.”

In 2009, Barrera culminated a spectacular amateur career, defected from Cuba to the United States, and made his professional debut in Miami, Florida. In only his eighth fight, he captured two regional titles by defeating Frank Paines, which he followed with victories against the likes of Jeff “Left Hook” Lacy and Karo Murat. Barrera suffered his first defeat against Andre “S.O.G.” Ward, but returned to score wins against Vyacheslav “Lion Heart” Shabranskyy and Joe Smith Jr. The 39-year-old contender has also faced the likes of Dmitry Bivol, Sean Monaghan and Jesse Hart.

“I’m excited to have the opportunity to headline such a big card against Gilberto Ramirez,” said Sullivan Barrera. “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 Joseph Diaz Jr. “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!”

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Zurdo vs. Barrera is a 12-round special attraction in the light heavyweight division presented by Golden Boy in association with Zurdo Promotions. Diaz Jr. vs. Fortuna is a 12-round lightweight battle presented by Golden Boy in association with Sampson Boxing. The event is sponsored by Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle” and “BetOnline – Your Online Sportsbook Experts.” The fight will take place on Friday, July 9 and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN fworldwide.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZNBoxing. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoy and https://www.facebook.com/DAZN. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy and @DAZNBoxing. Follow the conversation using #ZurdoBarrera

Photos and videos are available for download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link: http://bit.ly/ZurdoBarrera into a browser. Credit must be provided to Golden Boy for any photo and/or video usage.

LAS VEGAS (April 13, 2021) – Rising, young boxing trainer Julian Chua believes he’s working with the No. 1 light heavyweight in the world, 41-0 Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (27 KOs), who was Mexico’s first world super middleweight champion.

Better than Artur Beterbiev, Dmitry Bivol and even Ramirez’ fellow countryman, Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, if he returns to the 175-pound division in the near future.
The 29-year-old Ramirez, who recently signed an exclusive promotional contract with Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions, is currently ranked No. 4 and No. 5, respectively, by the WBA and WBO.

Working out of Churchill Boxing (formerly Wild Card West) in Santa Barbara (CA), Chua became Ramirez’ head trainer two months prior to Gilberto’s’ fourth-round stoppage of Tommy Karpency two years ago. Last December, Chua prepared “Zurdo” for his fight against Alfonso Lopez, which Ramirez won by 10th round technical knockout in his promotional company’s (Zurdo Promotion’s) inaugural event.

Chua feels that Ramirez is a special fighter because of his ring IQ, aggressive attack, and innate ability to adapt prior and during fights, pending his opponent.

“No. 1,” Chua explained, “he’s special because of his intelligence. He’s very smart, knowing how to decoy, and even double decoy. He throws certain shots to see how his opponent reacts. And he throws non-traditional combinations, assaulting his opponent with strange angles, like (Manny) Pacquiao in a way, but different. ‘Zurdo’ knows what to do when there’s a hole, knowing where to attack and when. He throws a lot of smoke, lands a good shot, and continues battering his opponent.

“Gilberto’s willingness to attack is because of his cardio mindset. He’ll throw a 9-punch combination, then backs off like others, but he jumps right back in. He has a relentless attack, and his assaults are creative. He also has the ability to adapt. A lot of people remember him pressuring (Jesse) Hart, but they forget how he beat (Artur) Abraham by out-boxing him for 12 rounds. I’m not saying Gilberto isn’t good going forward…..he is Mexican! He works angles and I love his versatility. It’s easy to take his reins. He has 41 fights of experience that make my job easier. He moves a little awkwardly, but when he’s boxing, it’s effortlessly and smooth. He also moves his weights effortlessly while throwing combinations. Deception is his boxing style and that’s the way he thinks.”

Ramirez has openly targeted Beterbiev, Bivol, and eventually “Canelo.” Chua is confident that “Zurdo” can defeat the entire trio, if given the opportunity.

“Beterbiev and Bivol are both great champions,” Chua commented. “Beterbiev is very confident. He’s a world-class fighter, tough to fight no matter how old he is, but ‘Zurdo’ has the tools to beat him. He’s focused, in shape, and has the proper mindset.

“Bivol is a real fighter, too. You need to stay away from Bivol’s power. He’s a well-oiled machine with not many dips. He has strong rounds but also takes off a few rounds. You can tell when he wants to rest a little. Bivol has natural ability, and he controls the basics well. He’s hard to fight because of his style. He does what he does very well, but ‘Zurdo” has creativity. Bivol is masterful but he doesn’t have the same creativity as Gilberto. Not that he isn’t adaptable, but he’s not the same when the fight isn’t going his way. “Zurdo” has the willingness to fight until the wheels fall off. Bivol is more safety first. He’s not going to risk getting seriously hurt. I know Zurdo is.

“I highly welcome a fight with ‘Canelo’, just let ‘Zurdo’ get more experience against top level fighters. ‘Canelo’ is on a tear. (Callum) Smith is a good fighter, but you need good foot movement against ‘Canelo.’ His confidence is through the roof fight now. He’s can take a punch and slip punches, but he has had some trouble against boxers like (Floyd) Mayweather, (Austin) Trout and (Erislandy) Lara. If this fight gets made, ‘Zurdo” has the foot movement to give ‘Canelo’ trouble, plus he’s a southpaw and bigger, which also give ‘Canelo’ trouble.”

The bottom line is “Zurdo” wants to fight the best and as Chua said, “Gilberto is willing to take the hardest route.”

2021 promises to be the “Year of Zurdo!”

INFORMATION:
Website: www.ZurdoPromotions.com
Instagram: @zurdoramirez, @zurdopromotions
Twitter: @ZurdoPromotions, @GilbertoZurdoRamirez

LAS VEGAS (March 31, 2021) – Former world super middleweight champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (41-0, 27 KOs) is on the hunt and his targets are undefeated Russians, Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol, respectively, the reigning WBC/IBF and WBA Super light heavyweight World champions.

The 29-year-old Ramirez, who recently signed an exclusive promotional contract with Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions, is currently ranked No. 4 and No. 5, respectively, by the WBA and WBO.

Ramirez was unimpressed by Beterbiev’s recent fight and he wonders where Bivol has been the past 1 ½ years, because he hasn’t been in the ring.

In his first fight in 519 days (Oct. 12, 2019), Beterbiev showed signs of rust and possibly age (36) during his 10th round technical knockout of his relatively unknown German opponent, Adam Deines (19-2-1, 10 KOs). Now, Beterbiev is talking about next fighting the winner of the April 10th Joe Smith, Jr. (26-3, 21 KOs) versus Maxim Vlasov (45-3, 26 KOs) on April 10th for the vacant WBO 175-pound division title. Vlasov, incidentally, was defeated by Ramirez via a 10-round unanimous decision in 2015.

“I expected a lot more from him (Beterbiev),” Ramirez talked about Beterbiev’s fight with Deines. “I thought he looked flat and dull for the majority of the fight. It’s nice of him to temporarily hold my belts, but he should know that I’m coming for all the hardware and will bring the titles back to my people in Mexico.”

Bivol hasn’t thrown a punch during a fight in 17 months, since winning a 12-round unanimous decision against Lenin Castillo. Instead of returning against a “name” fighter in defense of his WBA Super title, Bivol will be returning May 1st in London against somebody named Craig “Spider” Richards 16-1-1, 9 KOs), the WBA No. 8-rated light heavyweight who has never fought outside the United Kingdom.

“I’ve always said Dmitry Bivol was the toughest challenge out there,” Ramirez added, “which is why I want to make this fight happen. I know he’s got a fight coming up and hopefully he stays undefeated so we can make the mega-fight this summer.”

“Zurdo” is on the hunt!

INFORMATION:
Website: www.ZurdoPromotions.com
Instagram: @zurdoramirez, @zurdopromotions
Twitter: @ZurdoPromotions, @GilbertoZurdoRamirez

About Zurdo Promotions:

Zurdo Promotions is the premier combat sports/event promoter with HQ in the United States and Mexico. Led by the undefeated World Champion, Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez. Zurdo Promotions strives to be the best in all areas to set the new standard in boxing. Visit us at www.ZurdoPromotions.com.

LAS VEGAS (March 1, 2021) – Undefeated world light heavyweight contender and former world super middleweight champion, Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (41-0, 27 KOs), recently signed an exclusive promotional contract with Golden Boy Promotions, primarily because of the strong support he will receive from Oscar De Lay Hoya and his team.

“Ultimately,” the 29-year-old Ramirez explained, “Golden Boy understood the goals and agendas I set for myself and I felt the strong support from Oscar and his team. It’s a multi-fight deal with potential for something longer pending this first experience. From all the conversations my team and I have had with Golden Boy, I felt comfortable with them and the future opportunities that will arise from our relationship.

“Oscar is a great guy and it’s been nothing but a pleasure dealing with him and his team. As my relationship with Golden Boy continues to grow, I’m sure we (Oscar) will become closer. He’s a champion and one of the greatest to ever lace up the gloves. I look forward to working to him closely.”

Ramirez’ goal is to become the undisputed light heavyweight champion world, something he will have a better shot of accomplishing with Golden Boy in his corner.

“(WBA Super light heavyweight World champion Dmitry) Bivol (17-0, 11 KOs) is someone who has always been on the radar and I have full faith in (Golden Boy matchmaker) Robert Diaz to put together the best fights for me,” Ramirez added. “Unification has always been the goal. I know I’m the best in the division and hope to make this happens for the history books in the near future.”
This past December, Ramirez launched his own promotional company, Zurdo Promotions, which will remain active.

“Zurdo Promotions will continue and stay active,” Ramirez said. “Going forward, all my fights with Golden Boy will be in association with Zurdo Promotions. I will host fights in Mexico to be a bridge between Latin America and the United States. There’s tremendous talent in that region and I hope to use my platform to help and support the underserved fighters in Mexico.”

Ramirez, who is tentatively slated to return to the ring in May, is currently ranked No. 1 by the WBC, as well as No. 4 and No. 5, respectively, by the WBA and WBO.

INFORMATION:
Website: www.ZurdoPromotions.com
Instagram: @zurdoramirez, @zurdopromotions
Twitter: @ZurdoPromotions, @GilbertoZurdoRamirez

About Zurdo Promotions: Zurdo Promotions is the premier combat sports/event promoter with HQ in the United States and Mexico. Led by the undefeated World Champion, Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez. Zurdo Promotions strives to be the best in all areas to set the new standard in boxing. Visit us at www.ZurdoPromotions.com.

LOS ANGELES (Feb. 26, 2021): Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez, (41-0, 27 KOs), the Mexican light heavyweight contender and undefeated former world champion, has signed a multi-fight deal with Golden Boy. Details for Ramirez’s imminent return will be announced shortly.

Despite being only 29 years old, Ramirez has over a decade of experience under his belt, debuting as a professional in 2009 and embarking on a career that would see him defeating the likes of Maxim Vlasov, Jessie “Hard Work” Hart and “King” Arthur Abraham, whom he defeated to become the WBO Super Middleweight World Champion. After five defenses of his belt, Ramirez moved up to light heavyweight, where he has scored wins against Thomas Karpency and Alfonso Lopez. With a stunning record of 41-0, Ramirez’s goal is to make history by maintaining his undefeated streak beyond 50 fights as he sets sights on the champions of the division.

“After several discussions, Golden Boy Promotions made the most sense and felt like the best partners for me,” said Gilberto Ramirez. “They understood the goals and the agendas I have and I have full faith in Oscar and the team to make the big fights happen. I look forward to working with them closely and to this new chapter of my career.”

“Mexican boxing has been a worldwide force in this sport for as long as I can remember,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy. “Along with its legacy of courageous fighters, it possesses a fanbase with a unique culture and energy that comes alive every single time its fighters step into the ring.”

“That’s why we are delighted to have signed Gilberto Ramirez to a multi-fight deal, an undefeated former world champion from the land of warriors in Mazatlan, Sinaloa, Mexico,” De La Hoya continued. “As we in the United States look towards re-opening to bigger and bigger audiences, we know that Ramirez will bring even more excitement to the stacked 175-pound division as he sets course for all the world champions.”

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About Golden Boy
Los Angeles-based Golden Boy was established in 2002 by Oscar De La Hoya, the first Hispanic to own a national boxing promotional company. Golden Boy is a media and entertainment brand committed to making fighting entertainment more accessible and affordable. The company’s in-house production team develops creative original programming for RingTV.com and international channels across the globe. The company holds the exclusive rights to top boxers and has promoted some of the biggest and highest grossing events in the history of the sport. Now, Golden Boy is one of the most successful boxing entertainment companies in the world and shapes the future of boxing for fighters and fans alike.

LAS VEGAS (January 21, 2021) – If 29-year-old Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (41-0, 27 KOs), arguably already one of the top 25 Mexican fighters of all-time, has his way as he enters his prime years, he will eventually have a mega-showdown with fellow countryman Saul “Canelo” Alvarez (54-2-32, 36 KOs) before making their way to the Hall of Fame.

“Anything is possible, and it’ll be great for fans if a fight for me against ‘Canelo’ happens,” Ramirez said. “With two Mexicans in the ring, you know it’ll be a war from round one. We’ll see what happens in the future.”

First, though, Ramirez has some business to take care of starting with a potential Interim World Boxing Council (WBC) light heavyweight World title fight against 2012 U.S. Olympian “Sir” Marcus Browne (23-1, 16 KOs).

The WBC recently ordered No. 1 rated Ramirez vs. No. 4 Browne. Team Zurdo and Team Browne have until February 5th to work out a deal before it goes to purse bid. Ramirez is promoted by his own company, Zurdo Promotions, while Browne is represented by PBC.

If everything goes as Ramirez plans, he’ll have a world unification fight with either WBC/IBF light heavyweight World champion Artur Beterbiev (15-0, 15 KOs) or WBA Super title-holder Dmitry Bivol (17-0, 11 KOs, preferably later in 2021, pending COVID-19 restrictions.

“I never look past any fight,” Ramirez noted. “In this sport, on any given night, the best man will win. All I can do is train hard and prepare myself to be my best for when the occasion arises. Brown, Bivol, Beterbiev or Canelo, it doesn’t matter who I fight; I always train hard to make sure I’m ready when the fight is here.”

Ramirez became the first Mexican fighter to capture a world super middleweight crown in 2016, when the athletic southpaw thoroughly dominated defending champion “King” Arthur Abraham (44-4), winning each round for a 12-round unanimous decision (120-106 X 3) to become the WBO world champion.

In 2019, Alvarez joined WBO titlist Julio Cesar Gonzalez (2003) as the only Mexican-born light heavyweight champions of the world, when he stopped 34-3-1 Sergey Kovalev in the 11th round to become the WBO World light heavyweight champion. The 9-time, 4-division world champion Alvarez relinquished his WBO light heavyweight crown without defending it.

Ramirez is off to the 5th-best winning streak to start a professional career in Mexican boxing history behind four Hall of Famers: his idol Julio Cesar Chavez (87), Carlos Zarate (52), Ricardo Lopez (47) and Marco Antonio Barrera (43).

The dream match for “Zurdo,” of course, is down the road against Canelo. How about having it on Cinco de Mayo or Mexican Independence Day?

Between then and now, however, Ramirez needs a career-defining victory against a primetime opponent such as Beterbiev or Bivol to set the stage for a Canelo showdown.

“We’ll see if he’s (Canelo) able to do it again (fight as a light heavyweight),” Ramirez added. “He’s already fought at that weight once (light heavyweight) and I don’t see why it should be a problem unless it was a fluke. But I do understand he and his team will have to be a lot more cautious navigating this weight class, compared to the lower divisions, due to the higher risk. Also, we’ve been around each other before and even sparred. He knows I’m not just a Kovalev or a Callum Smith.

“It’ll (Canelo vs. Zurdo”) be an instant classic and a great way to showcase top-tier Mexican boxing to the world. I think fans will love this battle between Sinaloa (Ramirez) and Jalisco (Alvarez).”

INFORMATION:
Website: www.ZurdoPromotions.com
Instagram: @zurdoramirez, @zurdopromotions
Twitter: @ZurdoPromotions, @GilbertoZurdoRamirez

LAS VEGAS (January 14, 2021) — The first super middleweight world champion of Mexican decent, undefeated Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (41-0, 27 KOs) is all in for a potential World Boxing Council (WBC) Interim light heavyweight World title fight against 2012 U.S. Olympian “Sir” Marcus Browne (23-1, 16 KOs).

The WBC ordered Ramirez vs. Browne this past Monday because reigning WBC light heavyweight World champion Artur Beterbiev (15-0, 15 KOs) hasn’t defended his title since capturing it October 18, 2019, due to getting COVID-19 during training camp, as well as for other pandemic related restrictions. Beterbiev is also the reigning International Boxing Federation (IBF) light heavyweight World champion.

Ramirez is the No. 1 light heavyweight contender in the WBC ratings, while Browne is ranked No. 4. Team Zurdo and Team Browne have until February 5th to work out a deal before it’ll go to purse bid. Martinez is promoted by his own company, Zurdo Promotions, while Browne is represented by PBC.

“This is an interesting opportunity and I’m ready to fight anyone in the light heavyweight division to leave my mark on the sport,” Ramirez said. “I know Marcus has been out of the ring for a while, but he’s a U.S. Olympian and still one of the best in the game. I know he’s wanted this fight for a while and hopefully we can make something happen.

“In addition, it’s always been my dream to get the green belt (WBC) and bring it back to Mexico. I have a lot of respect for the WBC and Mauricio Suliman and I am grateful for all their love and support throughout my career.”

Last month, Ramirez fought for the first time in 20 months, stopping defending champion Alfonso “El Tigre” Lopez (32-4, 25 KOs) in the 10th round of the “Battle of Rio Grande” main event, which marked the debut of Zurdo Promotions.

The 29-year-old Ramirez became the first Mexican fighter to capture a world super middleweight crown in 2016, when the ultra-gifted, athletic southpaw pitched a complete shutout against defending title holder “King” Arthur Abraham
(44-4), winning each round for a 12-round unanimous decision (120-106 X 3) to become the World Boxing Organization (WBO) world champion.

Ramirez successful defended his WBO title five times against 33-4-1 Maksym Bursak (DEC12), 22-0 Jessie Hart (DEC12), 25-0-1 Habib Ahmed (25-0-1), 23-0 Roemer Alexis Angulo (DEC12), and Hart again in a rematch (DEC12). “Zurdo” moved up to the light heavyweight division in 2019, destroying 29-6-1 Tommy Karpency, who was unable to continue fighting after four rounds.

A talented southpaw as well, Browne was a decorated U.S. amateur out of New York City, who won gold medals at the 2010 U.S. National PAL Championships and 2012 U.S. National Championships, prior to representing the U.S. at the Olympic Games in London.

Browne, 30, is a past WBA Interim light heavyweight World champion. He has beaten a pair of word champions, 22-1-3 Badou Jack (DEC12) and 25-7-1 Gabriel Campillo (25-7-2). Other notable opponents he has defeated include 21-0 Radivoje Kalajdzic (DEC8), 20-2 Thomas Williams (KO6), 28-0 Sean Monaghan (TKO2), and 18-1-1 Lenin Castillo (DEC10). Browne’s last fight was August 3, 2019, when he suffered his first loss as a professional to former world champion Jean Pascal
(33-6-1) via an eight-round technical decision, after Browne suffered a severe cut over his left eye from an accidental head-butt.

“There are always challenges to making a fight become reality,” Ramirez concluded, “but me being both the fighter and sole promoter, I’m flexible on the common problems that takes to make a fight. I’m not sure how much time Marcus will need to be ready, but both time and location can be determined when the other preliminary items are agreed upon. If it goes to a purse bid, I’m ready for the process and, hopefully, this fight can happen for both of us.”

INFORMATION:
Website: www.ZurdoPromotions.com
Instagram: @zurdoramirez, @zurdopromotions
Twitter: @ZurdoPromotions, @GilbertoZurdoRamirez

GALVESTON, Texas (December 19, 2020) — The Champ is back!

Former world super middleweight champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (41-0, 27 KOs), fighting for the first time since April 4, 2019, returned to the ring last night with a vengeance, stopping tough defending North American Boxing Federation (NABF) light heavyweight champion Alfonso “El Tigre” Lopez (32-4, 25 KOs) in the 10th round of the “Battle of Rio Grande” main event.

“Battle of Rio Grande,” presented by the two main event fighter’s promotional companies, Zurdo Promotions and El Tigre Promotions, aired live on pay per view from the Galveston Island Convention Center in Galveston, Texas.

The 29-year-old Ramirez displayed his world-class boxing skills and tremendous athleticism from the start, dropping Lopez in the fourth, but the defending champion was resilient right up until the very end. The ringside physician examined Lopez’ swollen right eye after the ninth round and when Ramirez floored Lopez with a right hook in the 10th, the referee waved off the fight. Lopez had his 10-right win streak snapped and Ramirez put reigning world light heavyweight champions Artur Beterviev (WBC & IBF) and Dmitry Bivol (WBA) on notice. Ramirez is ranked No. 1 by the WBO, as well as being WBA #45, WBO and IBF #7.

“I’m glad I was able to get a fight in this year.” Martinez said. “Alfonso was tough as a bull and kept coming like the true warrior he is but overall, I’m happy with my performance. I felt some ring rust in the beginning, but I’m glad I was able to get back to my old form quickly. This was challenge as a fighter and a promoter, but I plan on doing more shows in the future and appreciate all my partners that helped out in the process (ie fite tv, el tigre promotions, and be def sports). Glad I have this one out the way and on to next one.”

World-rated heavyweight and 2012 U.S. Olympian, Michael “The Bounty” Hunter (19-1-1, 13 KOs), continued his mission to be world heavyweight champion, outclassing West Virginia’s Shawn Laughery (10-4, 6 KOs) in the 10-round co-featured event, closing the show in the fourth round with his second knockdown. Hunter is rated among the top 10 heavyweights in the world by the four major sanctioning bodies: IBF #4, WBO #8, WBC #9 and WBA #10.

California featherweight Jose Maria “Chema” Delgado (6-0-4, 2 KOs) can’t catch a break, at least not in the United States, where he fought to a draw for the fourth time last night against Armando Frausto (8-2, 5 KOs). Delgado’s six pro wins have all come in fights held in Mexico. Delgado and Frausto were fighting for the vacant American Boxing Organization (ABO) featherweight title that remains open.

Undefeated lightweight Juan Velazquez (6-0, 4 KOs) overwhelmed fellow Houstonian, Alexis Chavarria (4-3-3, 1 KO), putting him away in round two after pummeling him from the opening bell.

The first fighter signed by Ramirez’ Zurdo Promotions, Los Angeles bantamweight John “Scrappy” Ramirez (no relations), turned in an auspicious pro debut, stopping his Puerto Rican opponent, Jose “El Chavito” Solis (0-3) midway through the opening round.

Texas middleweight Charles “Pretty Bad Boy” Baylor (1-0, 1 KO) dominated fellow Texan Joel “The Assassin” Munoz (0-2) up until the latter’s corner ended the fight, Houston junior middleweight Raynard “Alief Ali” Talib, Jr. (3-0, 1 KO) overcame a first-round knockdown and a cut over his right eye to edge Adam “AD” Ealoms (4-19-3, 2 KOs) by way of a four-round unanimous decision (38-37 X 3), and the junior middleweight fight between pro-debuting Apostle Arias (0-0-1) and Lucas “God First” McDonald (0-5-1) ended in a technical draw, because McDonald was unable to continue fighting in the fourth round due to a serious cut resulting from an accidental headbutt.

Also fighting on the undercard, Houston’s Breyon Gorham improved to 7-0 (6 KOs) with a third-round technical knockout of Anthony Curtiss (2-7, 2 KOs), who managed to beat the count but was deemed to unsteady by the referee to continue fighting, and Delmonte “Sugar Bear” Randle (1-0, 1 KOs) won his pro debut when Jarvis Lee (0-3) retired after round one.

The middleweight fight between Ivan Vazquez (5-0, 4 KOs) and Charon Spain (2-14-2, 1 KO) was canceled after Vazquez tested positive for COVID-19.

Complete results below:

OFFICIAL RESULTS

MAIN EVENT – NABF LIGHT HEAVYEIGHT CHAMPIONSIP
Gilberto Ramirez (41-0, 27 KOs), Mazatlán, Sinaloa, México
WTKO10 (0:59)
Alfonso Lopez (32-4, 25 KOs), Houston, TX
(Ramirez won NABF light heavyweight title)

CO-FEATURE – HEAVYWEIGHTS
Michael Hunter (19-1-1, 13 KOs), Las Vegas, NV
WKO4 (1:02)
Shawn Laughery (10-4, 6 KOs), Oak Hill, WV

HEAVYWEIGHTS
Demonte Randle (1-0, 1 KO), Texas City, TX
WTKO1 (3:00)
Jarvis Lee (0-3), Houston, Texas

SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Charles Baylor (1-0, 1 KO), Trinity, TX
WTKO2 ((1:40)
Joel Munoz (0-2), Dublin, TX

JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Raynard Talib, Jr. (3-0, 1 KO), Houston, TX
WDEC4 (38-37, 38-37, 38-37)
Adam Ealoms (4-19-3, 2 KOs), Bryan, TX

Apostle Arias (0-0-1, 0 KOs), Porter, TX
TD4
Lucas McDonald (0-5-1), Sealy, TX

WELTERWEIGHTS
Juan Velazquez (6-0, 4 KOs), Houston, TX
WTKO2 (2:14)
Alexis Chavarria (1-1, 0 KOs), Houston, TX

Breyon Gorham (7-0, 56KOs), Houston, TX
WTKO3 (2:14)
Antony Curtiss (2-7, 2 KOs), Butte, MT

VACANT ABO FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Jose Maria Delgado (6-0-4, 2 KOs), Pittsburg, CA
D6(58-56, 57-57, 57-57)
Armando Frausto (8-1-1, 5 KOs), Alvin, TX

BANTAMWEIGHTS
John Ramirez (1-0, 1 KO), Los Angeles, CA
WTKO1 (1:51)
Jose Solis (0-3), San Juan, Puerto Rico

INFORMATION:
Website: www.ZurdoPromotions.com
Instagram: @zurdoramirez, @zurdopromotions, @eltigrepromotions, @bedefsports
Twitter: @ZurdoPromotions, @GilbertoZurdoRamirez, MichaelHunterII, @Fitetv, @IntegratedPPV

GALVESTON, Texas (December 16, 2020) — A round-table discussion, FITE in Focus: “Battle of Rio Grande,” will be held tomorrow night (Thurs., Dec. 17), streaming worldwide exclusively and FREE, starting at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT, on the FITE mobile apps, all major OTT apps and website (www.FITE.tv).

This Friday night’s “Battle of Rio Grande,” presented by Zurdo Promotions and El Tigre Promotions, will be highlighted by the ring return of 40-0 former world super middleweight champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez, who will challenge North American Boxing Federation (NABF) light heavyweight titlist Alfonso “El Tigre” Lopez (32-3, 25 KOs) in the 10-round main event. Ramirez is rated No. 1 by the WBA, as well as WBA #4, WBO & IBF #7, while Lopez is ranked No. 11 by the IBF and No. 12 by the WBO.

World-rated heavyweight and 2012 U.S. Olympian, Michael “The Bounty” Hunter (18-1-1, 12 KOs), faces West Virginia’s Shawn Laughery (10-3, 6 KOs) in the 10-round co-featured event.

FITE on Focus
will be hosted by Matt Striker (English color commentator), John Shernoff will serve as master of ceremonies, and round-table guests will include Sean Wheelock (English blow-by-blow announcer), Ernesto Amador (Spanish blow-by-blow announcer), and “Zurdo” Ramirez.

“Battle of Rio Grande” will be available for live viewing on digital, cable and satellite, starting at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT, on pay per view for a suggested retail price of only $24.99. FITE will stream worldwide on the FITE mobile apps, all major OTT apps and website (www.FITE.tv), and Integrated Sports Media will distribute throughout North America via DirecTV, iN Demand, and DISH in the United States, as well as in Canada on Shaw and SaskTel.

In addition, preceding the live pay-per-view broadcast at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT, fans may view a free LIVE PPV PRE-SHOW featuring some undercard bouts. “Battle of Rio Grande” Pre-Show will be available at FITE, DirecTV, DISH, Shaw and select cable operators.:

Limited tickets are priced at $65.00, $135.00, $250.00 and $400.00 for VIP and still available to purchase at www.zurdopromotions.events.com.

INFORMATION:
Website: www.ZurdoPromotions.com
Instagram: @zurdoramirez, @zurdopromotions, @eltigrepromotions, @bedefsports
Twitter: @ZurdoPromotions, @GilbertoZurdoRamirez, MichaelHunterII, @Fitetv, @IntegratedPPV

GALVESTON, Texas (December 14, 2020) — A strong undercard showcasing young, talented boxers from Texas and Southern California will provide support for this Friday night’s “Battle of Rio Grande” card, airing live on pay per view from Galveston Island Convention Center in Galveston, Texas.
.
Former world super middleweight title-holder Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (40-0, 26 KOs) challenges North American Boxing Federation (NABF) light heavyweight champion Alfonso “El Tigre” Lopez (32-3, 25 KOs) in the 12-round main event. Ramirez’
Zurdo Promotions is co-promoting “Battle of Rio Grande” with Lopez’ company, El Tigre Promotions.

World-rated heavyweight and 2012 U.S. Olympian, Michael “The Bounty” Hunter (18-1-1, 12 KOs) faces Shawn Laughery (10-3, 6 KOs) in the 10-round co-featured event., who has replaced veteran Chauncy “Hillyard Hammer” Welliver.

“Battle of Rio Grande” will be available for live viewing on digital, cable and satellite, starting at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT, on pay per view for a suggested retail price of only $24.99. FITE will stream worldwide on the FITE mobile apps, all major OTT apps and website (www.FITE.tv), and Integrated Sports Media will distribute throughout North America via DirecTV, iN Demand, and DISH in the United States, as well as in Canada on Shaw and SaskTel.

In addition, preceding the live pay-per-view broadcast at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT, fans may view a free LIVE PPV PRE-SHOW featuring some undercard bouts. “Battle of Rio Grande” Pre-Show will be available at FITE, DirecTV, DISH, Shaw and select cable operators.

Los Angeles bantamweight John “Scrappy” Ramirez (no relations to Gilberto), the first boxer signed by Ramirez’ emerging promotional company, Zurdo Promotions, will make his professional debut in a 4-round bout against his Puerto Rican opponent, Jose “El Chavito” Solis (0-2).

The 24-year-old Ramirez, who has no formal boxing experience, played on an L.A. high school football team, which was featured on ESPN because the area from which student-athletes came from was riddled with drugs and gangs. “Scrappy” may not have boxed as an amateur, but he is a fighter.

“I’m still young in the sport but I love it,” ‘Scrappy’ Ramirez spoke about making his pro boxing debut. “I’m just a different breed when it comes to this. At the end of the day, it’s a fight and I’m here to take over not just take part in. Where I’m from past records, accolades and titles don’t mean s*it. It’s all about today and what lays ahead.

“Being around the Champ (Gilberto) and watching him firsthand, I’m more motivated than ever and know what it takes to succeed. The grind is different, and no one can outwork me.”

Unbeaten Pittsburg, CA featherweight Jose Maria Delgado (6-0-3, 2 KOs) faces Armando Frausto (8-1, 5 KOs), of Alvin (TX), in a 6-round match for the vacant American Boxing Organization (ABO) title.

Also scheduled to fight on the “Battle of Rio Grande” undercard in 4-round bouts are Houston middleweight Ivan Vazquez (5-0, 4 KOs) vs. Charon Spain (2-14-2, 1 KO), Houston lightweight Juan Velazquez (5-0, 3 KOs) vs. TBA, Houston junior middleweight Breyon Gorham (6-0 (5 KOs) vs. TBA, Houston junior middleweight Raynard “Alief Ali” Talib, Jr. (2-0, 1 KO) vs. Adam “AD” Ealoms (4-18-3, 2 KOs).

Pro-debuting fighters in additional 4-round undercard fights are Porter, TX junior middleweight Apostle Arias vs. Lucas “God First” McDonald (0-5), Trinity, TX middleweight Charles “Pretty Bad Boy” Baylor vs. Joel “The Assassin” Munoz (0-1), and Delmonte “Sugar Bear” Randle vs. Jarvis Lee (0-2).

Card subject to change.

Tickets are priced at $65.00, $135.00, $250.00 and $400.00 for VIP are on sale and available to purchase at www.zurdopromotions.events.com.

INFORMATION:
Website: www.ZurdoPromotions.com
Instagram: @zurdoramirez, @zurdopromotions, @eltigrepromotions, @bedefsports
Twitter: @ZurdoPromotions, @GilbertoZurdoRamirez, MichaelHunterII, @Fitetv, @IntegratedPPV

Galveston, TX, December 14, 2020 — Undefeated former Super Middleweight World Champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez returns to the ring on Friday, December 18, challenging North American Boxing Federation (NABF) light heavyweight champion Alfonso “El Tigre” Lopez at Galveston Island Convention Center in Galveston, Texas, live on pay-per-view. “The Battle of Rio Grande” will be co-promoted by Zurdo Promotions and El Tigre Promotions, the first promotion for each under their respective companies.
Tickets to are on sale and can be purchased here https://zurdopromotions.events.com/

ALFONSO “El Tigre” LOPEZ: I’m extremely excited to back in the ring. It’s been a long year of ups and downs and we have been kind of unsure. At my age I’m saying this is not what a fighter needs. I am used to fighting on a consistent schedule. It’s unfortunate but I’m very grateful we got to pull this off.

What did you do during the pandemic?

ALFONSO “El Tigre” LOPEZ: I stayed in the gym, lifting weights and hitting the bag. I made a little gym in the garage since all of the gyms had been shut down. A lot of running, keeping the body in shape and not overindulging on the food a deserts. We had to stay strict hoping the opportunity would come and here it is.

How do you plan to fight Zurdo?

ALFONSO “El Tigre” LOPEZ: In the fight, as the rounds go on, we are looking for consistency and great conditioning. We focused a lot on conditioning and our strength. I think as the rounds go on you are going to see patience and growth as a fighter from over the years and the wins that we have had and bring it all together on December 18.

It looks as though you two have respect for one another . . .

ALFONSO “El Tigre” LOPEZ: When you have tremendous respect for each other, what happens is both fighters bring their A-game to the table and you end up getting this amazing fight not only for yourself but the fans in general. It’s a blessing that we are both humble and respecting guys because the people that get to witness the fight we are about to put on are the overall winners.

Keys to victory?

ALFONSO “El Tigre” LOPEZ: Just kind of being me. The keys are going to be you have to be in shape any time you are going to fight Zurdo. He is one of the best pressure fighters in the business – he stays on you and keeps driving. I have to be prepared mentally to deal with his strength and to really stay in there and bang it out with him. We’ll see how it turns out. We don’t know what’s going to happen until we get in there. 40 guys have gone in there against him and 40 have failed because he is legitimate – one of the best in the business. We’ll just get int here and see how the fight turns out and we’ll make adjustments as we go.

How is it promoting your own fight?

ALFONSO “El Tigre” LOPEZ: As a promoter I have been in the business for 3 or 4 years now, so it was a little easier for me because we kind of had it all laid out so just making it on a larger scale. With Zurdo, that kind of added a little more stress because it is such a big event. We are fighting for a NABF title and we are both ranked in the top ten. There is more at stake here so creating it for the fans and a little more stress but he has a great team and I have a great team. I think we are going to do a great job and it’s an amazing even from the undercard to the main event.

What do you mean by “being me?”

ALFONSO “El Tigre” LOPEZ: I am a boxer mover. You have seen me I can box and move around the ring to offset what he is going to pressure me with. Or at the end of the day, I am Mexican blooded and I can get in there and bang. If it has to turn into forehead to forehead, hey lets go for it. Being me is letting my competitive nature dictate what I do and not getting frustrated with anything.

What kind of challenges have you had to endure to train in the pandemic?

ALFONSO “El Tigre” LOPEZ: The challenges were you had to make your own gym. They had everything shut down so we created a gym in the garage and tried to do some bag work with the coaches but a lot of us were stuck at home, especially if we had close elderly family members. We really couldn’t get together and you find yourself doing long runs alone and bag work alone and strength work alone. It was a little difficult but here in Texas it opened up a little bit and we got to get out and get into some of the gyms as long as we stuck to the guidelines but I wouldn’t say it was the best case scenario for a training camp but we did the best could and we are going to be a in great shape.

What are you expecting on December 18?

ALFONSO “El Tigre” LOPEZ: On December 18 I am expecting the best Zurdo that we have yet to see. He is going to bring a filled in light heavyweight body and he is going to use that size to his advantage and I think he is going to be better physically prepared since he has had time to settle into the light heavyweight body.

Did you train differently for this fight?

ALFONSO “El Tigre” LOPEZ: In this training camp I made some adjustments to how I was conditioning compared to several of my other fights. I spent a lot more time doing road work and strength and conditioning and really focused on a lot of flexibility just to make sure that for the longevity of the sport we can be 100%. I know the dedication is there and the hunger is there and during a lot of my runs I just feel great and can’t wait to get back in there.

Do you have a message for Zurdo?

I ALFONSO “El Tigre” LOPEZ: don’t have anything to say to Zurdo exactly. I am expecting Zurdo to be at 100% and may the best man win.

Who do you like in the Canelo-Callum fight?
ALFONSO “El Tigre” LOPEZ: I like Canelo in a late round stoppage from some body shots.

How do you like being a parent?

GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ: It is really interesting and different.

Why did you decide to go on your own?

GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ: I have been in boxing a long time but I think I made a lot of mistakes and that’s why I made my own promotion company because I want to help young fighters reach their goals as a fighter and as a businessman to let them know how negotiate to reach those goals.

How was the break with Top Rank?

GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ: We are still friends. My contract expired and I didn’t want to renew and that’s what happened but I think in the near future we can still work together because he has one champion and potentially another so we will see.

How did this fight come together?

GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ: We reached out to the Tigre Lopez team and they agreed to a fight with us to do a co-promotion deal and it’s really good for me because I have been outside of the ring for almost two years and no I come back. Alfonso Lopez has the NABF title and I hope he’s coming really prepared to put on a great show for all the people and all the fans.

How has the pandemic affected you?

GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ: I have been training the whole time, even during Corona. Before during training I was a little upset because of first my contract and then Corona but now everything is in place. I put all of the pieces in place and I feel ready now to get in the ring and put on a great performance.

Will we see anything new ion the ring?

GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ: Yes you are. I am going to put everything that I have done in training to put on a great show for the fans and that’s all I want is for people to watch the fight on December 18.

What do you have to say to Alfonso Lopez?

GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ: I hope El Tigre comes in in great shape to put on a great show and best of luck.

Who do you like in the Canelo-Callum fight?

GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ: I like Canelo because he is Mexican

What should we expect in the fight?

GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ: Expect a WAR, El Tigre has Mexican blood and inside the ring 2 Mexicans it’s guaranteed a WAR. My team and I worked on the game plan together. I believe he is real good he’s never been stopped and he has 10 victories in a row. I trained like a true champ not taking him lightly I think it’s a good for us both at this time.

Expecting a knockout?

GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ: More than anything my hand will be raised I’m 41-0 and I think the KO will come on it’s own

How about Zurdo Promotions?

GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ: I feel happy and excited to help young fighters. I’m working hard with El Tigre Promotions. They have a good team as a promoter everything is working out as planned and as a fighter I’m gonna leave it all in the ring. That’s right my fight will be live only on Fite TV 24.99 make sure you guys go get it and don’t miss a fun night of action

You announced the fight on the 19th then changed it to the 18th and now you are on same night as GGG. . .

GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ: Nothing controversial the fans know boxing they will watch both fights it really doesn’t matter we can both fight on the same day and people will still tune in boxing is what people want and they are getting it. And GGG, it’s a good thing because the fans want to see boxing it’s been needed and like I said the fans will be watching all 3 fights that weekend .

You and GGG training in the same place?

GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ: Yes, GGG and I have been in the same gym training for our fights

Canelo and Eddy Reynoso again said they will not face a Mexican opponent . . .

GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ: I know that fight will happen one day I’ll just keep winning and do what I do and that fight will happen. I also want to be the face of boxing and I know to be the face of boxing I will have to beat him down the line – I just gotta keep on winning.

How was training during the pandemic?

ALFONSO “El Tigre” LOPEZ: We focused a lot on boxing and strength and conditioning because he is an amazing fighter and he brings a toughness to all of his fights. He world a world champion and he’s undefeated. We have prepared ourselves for the best fighter in the world and be ready the best that we can.

Will you try and go for early KO?

ALFONSO “El Tigre” LOPEZ: I don’t think is the best way to jump into a fight with Zurdo. We both have a lot of experience and we both will rely, in the ring, on all of our experiences. He has never been hurt really – he has a heck of a chin.

Do you feel disrespected in boxing?

ALFONSO “El Tigre” LOPEZ: I don’t feel disrespected, Zurdo is a superstar in the sport. I know what he brings to the table and I know why kind of fighter I am because of what I have put into the sport of boxing. It’s the business of boxing if people don’t see you and you aren’t promoted everyone sees you as a guy that is just there and that’s the business of boxing.

There was some talk of you fighting Bivol . . .

GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ: My team and I, we discussed it (Bivol fight) and decided that Alfonso was the best opponent for us right now but I think in the near future the Bivol fight will happen, but right now I don’t see beyond and I am focusing on Alfonso.

It seem throughout your career you have been having a tough time getting the top opponents . . .

GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ: Right now I feel great and that’s why I started my own promotional company so I can choose my best path for my career and I will have control, after this fight, all those kind of fights will happen. At the beginning I was frustrated abut that (getting top fights) but all of the fighters want the big names. It didn’t happen during that time but now I can make that happen. I can work with different promoters but right now I have Alfonso Lopez and he has the NABF title and I have prepared for this fight because he has what I want.

GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ: I have to be worried about the fight in the ring and be sharp. I don’t feel like I have to be worried about anything in particular because I have trained so long for this fight – I was my longest training camp in my life and I feel great. I feel ready to rumble. Ready to put on a great show in Galveston, Texas on December 18. I can’t wait to be in the ring as a fighter.

How is the promotional company coming along?

GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ: I have ten fighters in my promotion. Some of them fought in Mexico a couple weeks a go and some will be fighting on my card. We are going to have another show in February in Mexico. It is really interesting being a promoter because I want to help the fighters. I want to have champions to, obviously, but I want to teach them how the business is as a fighter and as a promoter. They have to know everything and I want to help them.

What do you want to accomplish against Lopez?

GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ: I want to send the message that I am the best light heavyweight in the world and everybody will see on December 18. Alfonso has been winning in his last ten fights in a row and he’s never been stopped and we are going to put on a great show for all the fans.

Can you make it back to 168?

GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ: I could make 168 if I cut off my leg. But I don’t think I can go back to 168, it is too much on my body and I feel that I would rather move up. Move up to cruiserweight and then heavyweight – why not?

Do you think a Canelo fight will happen?

GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ: Of course a Canelo fight can happen. Like you say with me and him fighting back-to-back this weekend – people will watch Canelo and they will watch me, and if the fans want to see us fight then we could make that fight happen. Eventually I will reach out to his team and I want to propose to make the fight happen. He has his own promotional team and I have my own promotional team so we can make it happen. If the people want to see the fight and there will be belts, for sure.

What weight would a Canelo fight be at?

GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ: The Canelo fight would have to be at 175. He already fought at that weight against Sergey Kovalev and I don’t want to go back to that weight. We’d have to fight at the same weight with no rehydration clauses or any of that.

GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ: Don’t miss the fight on December 18 on FITE.tv. It is going to be a good fight and we are going to put on a great show for all of them and you will see a new Zurdo Ramirez, so don’t miss it!

GALVESTON, Texas (November 30, 2020) — There is a Texas showdown coming December 18th called the “Battle of Rio Grande,” in which undefeated, former world super middleweight champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (40-0, 26 KOs) challenges North American Boxing Federation (NABF) light heavyweight Alfonso “El Tigre” Lopez (32-3, 25 KOs), live on pay per view from Galveston Island Convention Center in Galveston, Texas.

“Battle of Rio Grande” will be available for live viewing on digital, cable and satellite, starting at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT, on pay per view for a suggested retail price of only $24.99. FITE will stream worldwide on the FITE mobile apps, all major OTT apps and website (www.FITE.tv), and Integrated Sports Media will distribute throughout North America via DirecTV, iN Demand, and DISH in the United States, as well as in Canada on Shaw and SaskTel.

The main event fighters, Ramirez and Lopez, are co-promoters of “Battle of Rio Grande” under their promotional company names, respectively, Zurdo Promotions and El Tigre Promotions.

Ramirez, 29, became the first Mexican super middleweight champion of the world in 2016 with a 12-round unanimous decision over World Boxing Organization (WBO) champion Arthur Abraham (44-4). The multi-gifted southpaw “Zurdo” (means left-handed in English) from Mazatlán, Mexico, went on to make five successful title defences, including three against unbeaten challengers Jesse Hart (25-0), Habif Ahmed (25-0-1), and Roamer Alexis Angulo (23-0).

Ramirez moved up to light heavyweight for his last fight a year ago, when he stopped 29-6-1 Tommy Karpency in four rounds, after which Ramirez became a promotional free agent. “Battle of Rio Grande” is his first event as a promoter.

“Promoting is not an easy job,” Ramirez said, “but I have good people behind me. They’ve got my back and we work very well together. I was world champion and now I’m a promoter; I see the big picture. I don’t want to be fighting forever. I started my own promotional company so that when I retire, I will have a good life after boxing. There’s no stress on me as a promoter, the stress is on my team.”

The 6′ 3″ Ramirez is a physical specimen who can dunk a basketball and could easily have been a pro athlete in a different sport like football. He follows business trends and by opening his own promotional company, he’s taking advantages of the new era of boxing, in which he plans to aid fellow boxers, particularly Mexicans, by giving them a larger platform to display their skills.

Working with his opponent in terms of promoting “Battle of Rio Grande” is a sign of two fighters taking control of their careers, as well as being completely independent rather than under a promoter, although Lopez has been promoting in Texas for several years.

“We’ll work together but, in the ring, he wants my 40-0 Ramirez noted. “I know he’s been training a lot, so he’s going to be faster and stronger, which is good for me because I like fighting good fighters. Everybody wants to take my record, but I’m training (in Santa Monica, CA) like the champion I am to give fans a good fight. He’s going to bring everything he has into the ring. I expect a good fight. It’s a big opportunity for him. I am fully focused on him because I want the opportunity to be world champion again.”

Lopez will be riding a 10-fight win streak into the ring Dec. 18th versus Ramirez in the 12-round main event. His most recent fight was 13 months ago, when he won a 10-round decision over 19-9-1 Denis Grachev in Lopez’ first defense of the NABF title he captured in his previous fight with a fourth-round stoppage of 21-3 Alex Theran.

Ramirez isn’t looking past Lopez for future fights against world light heavyweight champions Artur Beterbiev (WBC & IBF) Dmitry Bivol (WBA), because he knows and respects Lopez. The media and public, in general, underappreciated Lopez and some have taken cheap shots at him in social media.

“Maybe a little but it’s not a big deal,” Lopez responded to being asked if he was undervalued. “I’ve always said that in this business, everybody has the opportunity to be seen. Gilberto’s beaten quality guys and he’s a world champion. I’ve promoted myself, mostly in Texas, and I’m well respected within the industry. If they really want to see who Gilberto is fighting, tune in, and then make decisions at the end of the fight and maybe they’ll change their mind. Otherwise, they should keep their opinions to themselves instead of reading about me on social media or matching up who we’ve fought.”

Ramirez has a marquee name, and he represents a career-changing opportunity for Lopez, who has captured four titles, including the NABF crown he’ll be defending. Plus, “El Tigre” holds victories over solid opponents other than Grachev and Theran, such as Dyah Davis and Rubin Williams, and in 2011 Lopez extended Kelly Pavlik the distance in a loss by way of a 10-round majority decision.

Lopez isn’t fighting Ramirez simply for a payday, to the contrary. “Nobody walks into the ring thinking they’re just happy to be there,” Lopez explained. “This fight will establish me as a world-class fighter. I feel that the winner will be the best in our division and the guys walking around with their belts should fight the winner. Gilberto is a great fighter who has a lot of experience as a world champion. He has physical attributes that him difficult to fight. He’s strong and always in great condition. I need to be intelligent, able to read him, and in great shape.

“The fight will be about adjustments. We’ve both been in this game a long time and at this high level of boxing, you need to be smart and strategic, but both of us being Mexican, it could turn into a brawl at any time. People will see why nobody wants to fight either of us. I’m excited and I know he is, too. Boxing fans don’t want to miss it!”

World-rated heavyweight Michael “The Bounty” Hunter will face veteran Chauncy “Hillyard Hammer” Welliver (57-13-5, 23 KOs), the former World Boxing Council (WBC) Continental Americas champion, in the 10-round co-featured event.

Card subject to change.

Tickets are priced at $65.00, $135.00, $250.00 and $400.00 for VIP are on sale and available to purchase at www.zurdopromotions.events.com.

INFORMATION:
Website: www.ZurdoPromotions.com
Instagram: @zurdoramirez, @zurdopromotions, @eltigrepromotions, @bedefsports
Twitter: @ZurdoPromotions, @GilbertoZurdoRamirez, MichaelHunterII, @Fitetv, @IntegratedPPV

GALVESTON, Texas (November 23, 2020) – The long-awaited return of undefeated Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (40-0, 26 KOs) will be Friday night, December 18, when he challenges North American Boxing Federation (NABF) light heavyweight Alfonso “El Tigre” Lopez (32-3, 25 KOs), live on pay per view from Galveston Island Convention Center in Galveston, Texas.

“Battle of Rio Grande” will be available for live viewing on digital, cable and satellite, starting at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT, on pay per view for a suggested retail price of only $24.99. FITE TV will stream worldwide on the FITE app and website (www.FITE.tv) and Integrated Sports Media will distribute throughout North America via DirecTV, iN Demand, Vubiquity, and DISH in the United States, as well as in Canada on Shaw and SaskTel.

The main event fighters, Ramirez and Lopez, are co-promoters of “Battle of Rio Grande” under their promotional company names, respectively, Zurdo Promotions and El Tigre Promotions.

The 29-year-old Ramirez, fighting out of Mazatlán, Mexico, became the first Mexican super middleweight champion of the world in 2016, when he defeated defending World Boxing Organization (WBO) champion Arthur Abraham (44-4) by way of a 12-round unanimous decision. Ramirez successfully defended his world title against 33-4-1 Maksym Bursak (DEC12), 22-0 Jesse Hart (WDEC12), 25-0-1 Habif Ahmed (TKO6), 23-0 Roamer Alexis Angulo (DEC12) and 25-1 Hart (DEC12) in a rematch.

Ramirez’ last fight, his first as a light heavyweight, was last April in Los Angeles, in which “Zurdo” stopped 29-6-1 Tommy Karpency in four rounds. Ramirez then became a promotional free agent.

Lopez will be fighting close to his home in Huntsville, Texas. “El Tigre” will be riding a 10-fight win streak into the ring for the Dec. 18th 12-round main event. He hasn’t fought in 13 months, registering a 10-round decision over 19-9-1 Denis Grachev in Lopez’ first defense of the NABF title he captured in his previous fight with a fourth-round stoppage of 21-3 Alex Theran.

“I’m looking forward to hosting my first fight and appreciate all the support and love I’ve received from everybody,” Ramirez said. I want to give special thanks to FITE.TV, El Tigre Promotions, Be Def Sports, and the state of Texas for being great partners in this event. I know it’s been a long road to return, but I feel great having full control of my career and being able to fight whenever, wherever, and however, I want. As always, I appreciate my trainers – Julian Chua, Joel Flores, and Chris Wong – keeping me in shape since my last fight and I feel better than ever to step back in the ring. I’ll see you guys December 18th in Texas!”

World-rated heavyweight Michael “The Bounty” Hunter, of Las Vegas, will take on battle-tested veteran Chauncy “Hillyard Hammer” Welliver (57-13-5, 23 KOs), the former World Boxing Council (WBC) Continental Americas champion.

Hunter is rated among the top 10 in all four major sanctioning bodies — #4 International Boxing Federation (IBF), #7 WBO, #10 WBC and World Boxing Association – in addition to being ranked # 8 by The Ring independent magazine.

Hunter’s last action was a 12-round split draw a year ago in Saudi Arabia with Alexander Povetkin (35-2), the former world heavyweight champion and 2004 Olympic gold medalist. A decorated U.S. amateur boxer, Hunter’s lone loss as a professional was a 12-round unanimous decision in 2017 to another Olympic gold medalist (2012), defending champion Oleksandr Usyk (11-0), for the WBO World cruiserweight title.

Additional fights will soon be announced.

Card subject to change.

INFORMATION:
Website: www.ZurdoPromotions.com
Instagram: @zurdoramirez, @zurdopromotions, @eltigrepromotions, @bedefsports
Twitter: ZurdoPromotions, @GilbertoZurdoRamirez, MichaelHunterII, @Fite.tv, @IntegratedPPV