By Miguel Rivera
Sinaloa's Gilberto Ramírez would not mind traveling to England or Germany, if that means that he'll face the best in his division and show the quality that led him to become the first Mexican fighter to win a world title at super middleweight.
But before he can focus on landing those fights, he will have to overcome Ghanaian challenger Habid Ahmed from his path.
On February 3rd at the Bank of America Center in Corpus Christi, Texas - Ramirez will defend title against Ahmed in an ESPN televised main event.
Four months after completing the second year of his title reign, the fighter who trains under the orders of the Zapari family ruled out the idea of moving up in the light heavyweight division.
And Ramirez wants Eubank Jr., Groves and Smith, as well as Andre Dirrell and any other fighter who will create the aura of a high profile fight at the weight.
"There are good names at my weight, but I would like to go to England and beat them there - because there is no problem in traveling for these types of fights, against big names. In those types of fights, the conditions do not matter because I have confidence in what what can I do, in the way we prepare and in my reach - which is why I asked for Chris Eubank, George Grooves or Callum Smith," said Ramirez (36-0 with 24 KOs) to Erika Montoya.
"But before I can think about that, the first thing is to retain my title and that is what I hope to accomplish. We've been working very hard for this fight and I feel good and ready to go into the ring.
"It's a risky fight for me, for my championship, but these are the good fights that people ask for. I want to be a solid champion and I don't know much about his style, but that's why I've prepared myself hard, for various forms of fighting, because I know he's a tough guy and he will not just give away that zero on his record.
"My goal is to be very active, keep the title on my side and remain undefeated. I therefore leave nothing to chance in my preparation, because I know that at any moment the opportunity will come to face to the names that I have in mind."
