Zurdo Ramirez vs Joe Smith – DAZN – October 7 – 9 pm ET

Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (44-1, 30 KOs) steps into the cruiserweight division to fight against the former light heavyweight World Champion Joe  Smith Jr. of New York. Scheduled for Saturday, October 7, this 12-round battle, in association with Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing, will be staged live at The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, and it will be broadcasted around the globe LIVE on DAZN.

Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez, previously the WBO Super Middleweight World Champion, is seeking to make his mark and show that he has the guts to become a titleholder in two different divisions. After almost 15 years as a professional, he has emerged victorious against names like Maxim Vlasov, Jessie “Hard Work” Hart, and “King” Arthur Abraham. His record’s only stain came from a gallant fight against Dmitrii Bivol in November 2022. Now, Ramirez is primed to return to the ring and take on the division’s power punchers.

“I’m gearing up to conquer the cruiserweight division and demonstrate that I have what it takes to add another championship belt to my collection,” declared Gilberto Ramirez. “I’m grateful to my fans, Golden Boy, DAZN, the WBA, and my entire team for standing by me during this transitional phase. We’re prepared to meet a determined Joe Smith Jr., who’s no stranger to being the underdog. Though we both eyed this fight at light heavyweight some years ago, I’m glad it’s happening now. See you in Las Vegas!”

Joe Smith Jr., the hard-nosed former light heavyweight world champion, has a history of defying the odds. He became the WBO Light Heavyweight World Champion after a relentless bout against Maxim Vlasov in April 2021 and managed successful title defenses before falling to Artur Beterbiev on June 18. Smith’s illustrious career includes wins over legends like Bernard Hopkins, former world champion Eleider Alvarez, and title challengers Jessie Hart and Andrzej Fonfara. Now, for the first time, he’s moving up to the cruiserweight division to battle Ramirez.

“It’s invigorating to make my return to the ring against ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez on October 7,” expressed Joe Smith Jr. “This year has been trying, and losing my brother Alex has been an immense blow. I know his spirit will be with me in the ring. I’m eager to prove that the Common Man is back, and I hope my performance will bring some joy and motivation to my family.”

At 32 and with 14 years in the boxing ring under his belt, former super middleweight world champ Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez is stepping up to the cruiserweight division. He’s making the leap from light heavyweight due to his natural growth as an athlete, tipping the scales close to 200 pounds lately—even after making the 175-pound weight class.

Ramirez is set to make his cruiserweight splash on October 7 against ex-world light heavyweight champ Joe “The Common Man” Smith, Jr. The showdown will be at a 190-pound catchweight and is the main event of a Golden Boy Promotions card, streaming live on DAZN from The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.

Explaining his decision to move up, Ramirez cited his physical development and desire for fresh challenges in the cruiserweight pool. “The division is chock-full of diverse talent and I’m itching to prove myself against a new roster of fighters,” he said. “I’ve huddled with my team to map out training and strategies for a smooth transition.”

Ramirez hasn’t thrown a punch in competition since losing a unanimous decision to Dmitriy Bivol for the WBA Light Heavyweight title last November. He was supposed to face Gabe Rosado in March, but that bout was scrapped because Ramirez failed to make weight.

Instead of an easier ‘get-to-know-the-division’ bout, Ramirez is diving in the deep end against Smith—a guy who’s notched wins against Bernard Hopkins, Andrzej Fonfara, and Eleider Alvarez. “I’ve got mad respect for Joe. The man can punch. But I didn’t move up to cruiserweight for a cakewalk. I want the hardest hitters, aiming for another world title,” Ramirez emphasized.

“Every bout at this caliber is a potential career-definer,” he added. “The stakes are sky-high and I’m out to prove I’ve got what it takes to be a world champ in this new division.”

When he decided to leave the light heavyweight scene, Ramirez was still highly ranked: #4 by The Ring, #6 by the WBO, and #7 by the WBA.

GILBERTO “ZURDO” RAMIREZ, FORMER WORLD CHAMPION:

“I’m thrilled about my return with my team on October 7 in Las Vegas. Las Vegas has always hosted some of the finest fights.”

“I’ve always felt comfortable at cruiserweight, the weight I’ve been most of my life. I feel more powerful in this division and, above all, I feel in top shape.”

“The loss to Bivol was a significant blow. It deeply affected me both emotionally and in terms of my self-confidence. Having overcome it, I’m determined to bounce back stronger and reclaim my place at the top.”

“I’ve kept an eye on Joe Smith Jr. for quite a while, essentially throughout his career. He’s an impressive fighter, and it’s thrilling for me to fight him given his history as a world champion and his battles against other top-contender fighters.”

JOHN “SCRAPPY” RAMIREZ, SUPER FLYWEIGHT WORLD TITLE CONTENDER:

“The upcoming fight is another step forward, something I’ve been striving for, and it’s now becoming a reality. The key is to always be prepared.”

“My journey towards a world title is taken one fight at a time, one opponent at a time. Currently, my attention is solely on the man ahead. He’s from Panama, carries a wealth of experience, is eager, and aims to seize this chance to shine. So, I’m not underestimating him. I always rise to the challenge when the competition is strong.”

BEKTEMIR “THE BULLY” MELIKUZIEV, SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT FIGHTER:

“I’m in high spirits after my win against Gabriel Rosado. I’m eager to step back into the ring. We’re all set for the major fights in our division. The bout with Gabe was an important milestone for me. Now, I’m zealously chasing the world titles.”

“My team has thoroughly researched my next opponent. Regardless of who I fight, I’m prepared. I’m aware he’s quite tall for our division, has a unique style, is resilient, and is known for putting up good fights. My focus remains squarely on him; I anticipate an engaging fight.”

DANIEL “IKAIKA” LUNA, SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT PROSPECT:

“After my swift win last month, ending in a second-round knockout, I felt ready to get back in action right away. My team and I discussed it and felt confident about my readiness and form for another fight this month. Our aim is to maintain momentum.”

“While we don’t solely chase knockouts, we prioritize staying active. If an opportunity for a knockout arises, we’ll take it. I’m aware my next opponent is determined and ready to fight, but so am I.”