Preview: Gilberto Ramirez fights Joe Smith Jr.

Sub Lead05-Oct-23by Harold Hunt

Crossroads fireworks

Zurdo Ramirez-vs-Joe Smith

Today, blue-collar work is one of the most noble aspirations that one can be proud of.

Joe Smith is a blue-collar (ex) light heavyweight champion, thusly named ‘The Common Man’. He is doing well financially as a fighter who owns his own tree-cutting business and actually cuts his own grass. This furthers his stature as a blue-collar worker.

Boxing fans appreciate his work in the ring as he is a come-forward fighter, who squares up and believes he can overpower his opponent blue-collar style.

Gilberto Ramirez, a former undefeated champion, has a classic Mexican. He punches in bunches and has a strong chin. He tested himself against another undefeated fighter, Dmitry Bivol, only to come up short.

Due to that defeat, all of his prior wins are now in question. Having been elite for many years, notching 44 wins at light heavyweight, this opportunity with Joe Smith at cruiserweight gives him a chance to regain luster on his career. A win could lead to other opportunities to become a champion and vie for the undisputed status at the new weight class.

These two will come together, not only to rectify their recent collective losses but for one to take a forward step and the other to take a step back.

Joe Smith has to decisively defeat Ramirez. His career is at a crossroads. Ramirez, on the other hand, must simply stop Smith, as a decision to win will not return him to his lofty stature in the eyes of those who follow him.

Both men have a lot to prove - not just to fans and pundits, but to keep their place in the top ten in this new weight class.

There will be more titles and paydays on the horizon with a win for either.

Because of their styles, they will no doubt stand in front of each other and entertain us all.