One won the World Boxing Super Series.
The other won a series of fights that ended up being almost the equivalent.
In boxing, we rarely get a true process of elimination. Saturday (8 PM EST), we will see the culmination of a genuine whittling.
Josh Taylor’s run through what was a tough tournament included title wins over Ivan Baranchyk and the excellent Regis Prograis after a pre-tournament victory over former titlist Viktor Postol. It says something about how good Jr. welterweight has been the last few years that Ramirez could put together an almost equal run. Ramirez had his own win over Postol along with a unification knockout of Maurice Hooker and a tough decision over a Jose Zepeda last seen stopping Baranchyk in what might be the fight of the decade so far.
Boxing isn’t static. The winner of this fight will either defend their crown or move up to welterweight to chase more. The end of a process of elimination lasts only until the next contract is signed.
That’s a concern for tomorrow. Boxing fans have a treat to enjoy in the now. Both are undefeated, both seemingly in a foul mood, both competing in a weight class whose roster of classics is led by Aaron Pryor-Alexis Arguello and Julio Cesar Chavez-Meldrick Taylor.
On paper, it doesn’t get much better. How will it play on canvas?
Let’s get into it.
Stats and Stakes
Josh Taylor
Age: 30
Titles: IBF Jr. Welterweight (2019-Present, 2 Defenses); Ring Magazine/WBA Super Lightweight (2019-Present, 1 Defense)
Previous Titles: None
Height: 5’10
Weight: 139 ½ lbs.
Stance: Southpaw
Hails from: Haddington, Scotland
Record: 17-0, 13 KO
Press Rankings: #1 (TBRB, ESPN, Boxing News), #3 (BoxRec)
Record in Major Title Fights: 3-0, 1 KO
Last Five Opponents: 110-1 (.990)
Notable Outcomes, TBRB and/or Ring Rated Foes: Viktor Postol UD12; Ivan Baranchyk UD12; Regis Prograis MD12
Additional Current/Former Titlists Faced: Miguel Vazquez KO9
Vs.
Jose Ramirez
Age: 28
Titles: WBC Super Lightweight (2018-Present, 4 Defenses); WBO Jr. Welterweight (2019-Present, 1 Defense)
Previous Titles: None
Height: 5’10
Weight: 139 ¾ lbs.
Stance: Orthodox
Hails from: Avenal, California
Record: 26-0, 17 KO
Press Rankings: #1 (Ring), #2 (TBRB, ESPN, BoxRec), #3 (Boxing News)
Record in Major Title Fights: 5-0, 1 KO
Last Five Opponents: 135-4-3 (.961)
Notable Outcomes, TBRB and/or Ring Rated Foes: Antonio Orozco UD12; Maurice Hooker TKO6; Viktor Postol MD12
Additional Current/Former Titlists Faced: None
The Case for Taylor: Taylor is rated higher by most outlets coming in and his win over Prograis is a big reason why. It’s the best win either man has to date and Taylor showed real grit along with skill to get it. Taylor is the taller man but not the longer one here; he held both advantages against Prograis and was able to come forward more than Ramirez might allow. Taylor has to use his jab, time Ramirez with his excellent counter hook, and let Ramirez know he can get to Ramirez’s body. Ramirez has had issues with southpaws as was the case where a little scoring luck went his way against Zepeda. If Taylor can avoid extending exchanges when this fight gets inside, he can force Ramirez to pursue in spots and use those to pick up points.
The Case for Ramirez: Ramirez has been methodically developed since the 2012 Olympics. He’s not the fastest, he’s not the biggest hitter, but he’s developed his game in a rounded, violent fashion to earn his way to this moment. Ramirez’s arms are significantly longer than Taylor and Ramirez is underrated in terms of using his feet to create angles. Taylor can sometimes leave his guard too stiff and high. If Ramirez can get around it with looping hooks, the uppercut could open up as a potent weapon. Ramirez has to be careful not to be predictable or head hunt and if he can stun Taylor he has to maximize those moments. Ramirez’s best chance to win is to grind Taylor down and make the Scotsman wary of letting his left go. Ramirez has the physicality to do it if he stays disciplined.
The Pick: Taylor might be a hair quicker than Ramirez but Ramirez’s length might take some of that away. Taylor is the more polished looking of the two and his ability to switch hit in spots, and sneak in body shots, will force Ramirez to think about what’s coming. The thinking here is the first half of the fight will be close but it gets better for Ramirez in the second half as his long left starts to land when Taylor steps out of close quarters. In Las Vegas, the thinking here is that the heavier hands of Ramirez catch the eye of the judges in enough rounds to win what could easily be a split decision or a draw.
Rold Picks 2021: 26-4
Cliff Rold is the Managing Editor of BoxingScene, a founding member of the Transnational Boxing Rankings Board, a member of the International Boxing Research Organization, and a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America. He can be reached at roldboxing@hotmail.com.
