Gilberto Ramirez Continues Expansion as Texas-Sized Draw
Jun 26, 2015 • 10:41 AM ET
By Jake Donovan
His fight is taking place nearly 700 miles from his hometown in Mazatlan, Gilberto Ramirez is feeling Texas-sized love for his third career appearance in the Lone Star State ahead of his showdown with veteran spoiler Derek Edwards.
Their bout tops the latest installment of Top Rank’s Metro PCS Friday Night Knockout series on truTV, airing live from State Farm Arena in border town Hidalgo, Texas.
“I’m very excited to be back in Texas,” notes Ramirez (31-0, 24KOs), whose previous two trips to the state both ended in knockout wins. “I’m looking forward to giving the fans here another great fight.”
Ramirez turned heads last November, knocking out Fulgencio Zuniga in the 8th round of his first career bout affiliated with HBO. The crossroads clash aired live from San Antonio on HBO Latino, followed up by an appearance on the flagship station in a 10-round decision over Maxim Vlasov.
Aspirations of a title fight are well within reach, but Ramirez knows better than to look too far beyond Friday evening. Edwards is just 1-4-1 in his last six starts, but among his career achievements include an upset 1st round knockout win over Badou Jack just 16 months ago. The win is further magnified by Jack going on to capture a major title, upsetting Anthony Dirrell this past April to win a super middleweight belt.
“Thats the version I expect on Friday night, his very best,” Ramirez wisely cautions. “He’s strong and experienced, which is what I’m looking for at this stage of my career. I will be ready for anything he brings to the table.”
It appears that the fans throughout the great state of Texas are ready anytime Ramirez sets up camp. With any luck, it’s where he can plant his fighting flag as his headquarters as he makes his eventual run towards a super middleweight title.
“I would love for Texas to become my “home” base when I’m not fighting in Mexico,” Ramirez admits. “They show me a lot of love every time I fight in this great state, and I look forward to continuing to making more fans here.”
Jake Donovan is the Managing Editor of BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox
Jake Donovan is an award-winning journalist who served as senior writer for BoxingScene from 2007-2024, and news editor for the final nine years of his first tour. He was also the lead writer for The Ring before his decision to return home.
