Zurdo Ramirez: I’m ready to begin the next chapter in my career

Former super middleweight world champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (44-1, 30 KOs) of Mazatlan, Mexico returns to the ring this Saturday night as goes up against Philadelphia’s tough veteran Gabriel “King” Rosado (26-16-1, 15 KOs), at the Walter Pyramid in Long Beach, California live on DAZN. After suffering the first defeat of his career, Zurdo is eager to get back in the ring here is what he had to say.

“I am really looking forward to this fight, I know Gabriel and I will give fans a great fight. We are both aggressive fighters with a lot of heart and guts to do whatever it takes to win The Mexico versus Puerto Rico match-up is just a cherry on top to make this an exciting fight,” Zurdo added.

Zurdo wrapped up his camp in Southern California in preparation for his return to the ring as he and trainer Julian Chua get ready for their next fight. Working together for their seventh fight, the two hooked up in April of 2019 as they look to get back in the win column.

“It’s a different feeling the preparation does not change. I’m more motivated than ever to get back on track and show why I’m still one of the best in the game.” Ramirez on his preparation and return to the ring.

Having suffered his first career defeat at the hands of WBA light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol, Ramirez spoke about his first defeat in his attempt at the light heavyweight title. It was this past November that Ramirez dropped a one-sided unanimous decision to Bivol in Abu Dhabi. In a fight that saw a very sluggish Zurdo getting outworked by the champion Bivol.

“I learned a lot from my first career loss against Bivol. He is a great fighter; I don’t take anything away from him,” Ramirez on his first defeat. “It just wasn’t my night and it was meant for my opponent. The plan was to box him and step away. I could have been a little more active. It is what it is,”

Zurdo now looks ahead to his return as he challenges the always tough Gabriel Rosado.

“I know Gabriel well; he is a great fighter and a great friend. We are friends inside and outside the ring and have been sparring partners. That is why this fight is dangerous; we both know each other very well,” Ramirez said about Rosado. “Rosado is a tough opponent who is always ready to fight,” Ramirez added.

Rosado, a two-time world title challenger and tough veteran of over 40 fights, is coming off a unanimous decision defeat at the hands of Ali Akhmedov. A Philly fighter always giving it his all, Rosado lost his first attempt at a world title back in 2013 as he was stopped by Gennadiy “GGG” Golovkin and in his second attempt in 2014 he was stopped by Peter Quillin due to a cut. Since those defeats he has fought the likes of Jermell Charlo, David Lemieux, Joshua Clottey, Martin Murray, Daniel Jacobs, and most recently Jaime Munguia, and Shane Mosley Jr.

“He has been in the ring with the best and can be dangerous at any time of the fight,” Zurdo said.

Looking to become world champion once again, “Zurdo” Ramirez won his first world title in 2016 defeating a very solid champion in Arthur Abraham to capture the WBO super middleweight title and successfully defending the title five times. Making his way to the light heavyweight division, Ramirez piled up a few wins before experiencing his first blemish. Looking to take on all challenges now, the light heavyweight division also offers a variety of matchups as well as potential rematch.

“I want to fight the best and become a world champion again. I would like to go to the U.K. to fight Callum Smith, Anthony Yarde, or Joshua Buatsi. I would also like a rematch with Bivol in the future.” Ramirez said.

Make no mistake about it, this won’t be an easy out for Zurdo as Rosado always brings out the best in his opponent but is expected to bounce back. As Ramirez vows to become world champion again and begins his 2023 campaign.

“I’m ready to begin the next chapter in my career,” Zurdo concluded.

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