Former WBO super middleweight champion Zurdo Ramírez will make his cruiserweight debut facing former light heavyweight world champion Joe Smith Jr on October 7 in Las Vegas, as officially confirmed by DAZN and Golden Boy Promotions. The fight will take place at The Chelsea Lounge at The Cosmopolitan Casino.
I am ready to take over the cruiserweight division: Zurdo Ramírez
Following his maiden professional career defeat against WBA light heavyweight champ Dmitry Bivol in November 2022, Ramírez was set to return against Gabriel Rosado in March, but the fight fell apart after Ramírez weighed in almost 8 pounds over the light heavyweight limit of 175.
Now, after his weight problems at light heavyweight, Ramírez is set to make a jump and will debut at 200 pounds. For his part, Joe Smith is also making the leap from light heavyweights to cruiserweight, after nearly 16 months of inactivity. Smith has not fought since June 18th last year when he lost by devastating technical knockout to Artur Beterbiev in a unification fight in which Smith lost his WBO light heavyweight belt after making only one title defence.
“I am ready to take over the cruiserweight division and prove to myself that I can add another championship belt to my resume,” Ramírez commented on the upcoming matchup. “I want to thank all of my fans, Golden Boy, DAZN, the WBA, and my entire team that have supported me through this season of change. We are ready to face a hungry opponent in Joe Smith Jr. who is used to being an underdog. I know both of us wanted this fight at light heavyweight a few years back, but I’m glad we can make it now. See you all in Las Vegas!”
“It feels great to return to the ring in a big way on October 7 against ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez,” said Smith. “I was having a rough time this year, then we tragically lost my brother Alex on top of it all. I miss him and know he will be with me when I step into that ring. He was always proud of me and he would be happy to see me back. I can’t wait to show the world the Common Man is back and hope my performance can bring some happiness and inspiration back to my family.” [H/T Boxingscene.com]
