Gilberto Ramirez looking for title at 175-pounds

Golden Boy Promotions’ Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez will face Dominic Boesel in a May 14 main event on DAZN.

Ramirez (43-0, 29 KO’s) signed with Golden Boy after a 2020 departure from Top Rank Boxing. Now, the undefeated native of Mazatlán, Mexico is hoping a win will put him that much closer to a world title shot at 175-pounds after a long reign as a super middleweight champion.

Boesel (32-2, 12 KO’s), is a former world title holder who should pose a tough test for the well-spoken, friendly Ramirez.

Ramirez had hoped to secure a fight with WBA titleholder Dmitry Bivol but that was shelved when Bivol scored a bout with massively popular superstar, Saul Alvarez; a fight all boxers in and around 168-175 covet.

Ramirez has been perfect since turning pro as a teenager back in 2009 and was a prospect to keep an eye on as he racked up the wins in the 168-pound division. By 2016, he had earned a shot at long-reigning, German star Arthur Abraham and his WBO world super middleweight title. After 12 rounds, in an impressive performance, Ramirez had secured the world title.

After 5 successful title defences, Ramirez, who stands at almost 6’ 3”, decided it was time to head north to 175. Now, with 4 wins at the light heavyweight limit, Ramirez knows a win over Boesel will put him in a good spot to make a case for a world title shot in the very near future.

Since going to the 175-pound class, Ramirez has recorded 4 straight wins, 2 against very experienced veterans and 2 against world title challengers. However, Ramirez knows that remaining impressive in the 175-pound class can lead to Canelo Alvarez, a career high payday, and the marquee bout he craves.

While Ramirez is pegged as the clear favorite going into this bout, Boesel knows a win puts him in a great spot, while Ramirez knows a loss eliminates him from a title shot in his next bout. In short, both fighters should be very motivated going into the fight.

MaxBoxing caught up with the former 168-pound world champion, and current light heavyweight contender, from his training base in California, to get his thoughts on his upcoming bout and where he sees himself after this fight.

Bill Tibbs: Hi Gilberto, thanks for taking a minute to chat.

Gilberto Ramirez: Hello sir. No problem at all.

BT: You had made a lot of title defences at 168, and had a great run, but I was always surprised how long you were able to make that weight because you are tall.

GR: Yes, it was getting tough. The last fight I had at 168 was very hard for me to make the weight but I feel really good at 175 now.

BT: Do you have any problems making 175?

GR: No, I feel strong at this weight, and I make it good.

BT: Do you see yourself staying at this weight for the rest of your career?

GR: No, I think I will move up in the future. Go to cruiserweight, maybe even heavyweight one day.

BT: Are you living in Los Angeles?

GR: I am training here. I am living in Las Vegas but am training in LA.

BT: But, originally from Mazatlán.

GR: Yes, I am from there. I do get back there because I still have family there.

BT: Beautiful spot. My parents used to go there on vacation all the time, they loved it.

GR: Oh, ok, nice. Yes, it is beautiful.

BT: After this fight, assuming all goes well, will your next fight be for the title?

GR: I think so, yes. I want to fight for the title as soon as I can and become champion again.

BT: Do you have any champion in mind?

GR: Any of them. It doesn’t matter which one. I just want to fight for the title and become champion again.

BT: What do you know about Boesel?

GR: I don’t know all that much but I know he is tough, and he is going to come prepared to fight. He will try to give me a great fight, his best fight. But, am I prepared and ready also.   

BT: It seems the big fight for everyone, in and around his weight, is Canelo Alvarez? Is that the fight you want?

GR: I am just working hard to win this fight and win the title again. But, I think we will fight as he is fighting at 175. Of course, it is a fight I’d like. I think it is a fight that will happen at some time in the future.

BT: Any predictions for the upcoming Boesel bout?

GR: I will win and put on a great show for the fans.

BT: Gilberto, thank you for your time and best of luck on the 14th.

GR: OK, thank you.