Undefeated super middleweight Gilberto Ramirez (33-0, 24 KOs) of Mazatlan, Mexico, two-time Mexican Olympian featherweight Oscar Valdez (19-0, 16 KOs), of Nogales, Mexico, 2012 U.S. Olympian welterweight Jose Ramírez (16-0, 12 KOs), of Avenal, California and former world champion Evgeny Gradovich (21-1-1, 9 KOs) of Russia were on hand Wednesday afternoon at the Conga Room at L.A. Live to officially announce the Pacquiao Bradley 3 undercard. The fighters will be showcased on the undercard Saturday April 9, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas live on HBO Pay Per View.
Hall of Fame Promoter Bob Arum started things off at Wednesday’s press conference announcing the NO TRUMP CARD.
"A lot of what has been going on in this country has disgusted me because politicians have been saying things that I never believed political figures would say, disparaging to a large extent the Hispanic community. Whether they’re citizens, whether they’re residents, we know that the Mexicans, Mexican-Americans who live among us are by-and-large tremendous people, very hard-working people. And to hear fat-cat politicians say otherwise is just disgusting. So in this way, myself as part of the boxing community where so many of our athletes are Hispanics, are fighting back, making a statement. We have gathered three of the top, top young Hispanic fighters who’ll be fighting on this card which is headlined by Manny Pacquiao and Timothy Bradley on April 9th at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas," Bob Arum said. "We also have one of the men who is fighting one of our Hispanic stars, he’s a former champion and you can tell what he’s thinking because he goes by the nickname ‘The Mexican-Russian,’ so he’s onboard in support of us in this great crusade," Arum added.
The co-main event will feature the undefeated Mexican super middleweight Ramirez in his first shot at a world title against the hard punching WBO super middleweight champion Arthur Abraham (44-4, 29 KOs), of Berlin Germany by way of Armenia. Ramirez spoke about his opportunity and upcoming fight with Abraham.
"This is the fight of my life. This is what I worked so hard to get. We know what we’re up against. Obviously he’s a great fighter, hasn’t lost since 2013. We know what he’s done as a professional, but this is what I dreamed for, what I worked for. No Mexican is going home disappointed that night. We’re all going to win," Ramirez said.
In what is the best match up of the card as Oscar Valdez takes on former world champion Evgeny Gradovich. In what will be Valdez ’s biggest test of his career up to date taking on the former champion, the two fighters spoke.
"A lot of people are going to watch this fight and it’s another opportunity to show who Oscar Valdez is…I know if I win this fight clearly, it’ll be a step forward to win a world title," Valdez said.
"I hope it’ll be a good fight for everyone who watches. The Mexican-Russian will be ready," Gradovich said.
The 2012 U.S. Olympian, Ramirez also talked about his role on the pay per view card as he takes on Manny Perez (25-11-1, 6 KOs) of Denver.
"I’m going to go out there and prove myself as a fighter…on April 9th, you’ll see a fighter who’s very motivated, who’s going to be ready to go out there and give everybody a great show," Ramiez said.
Follow Miguel on Twitter @MigMaravilla
Follow Miguel on Twitter @MigMaravilla