Undefeated former WBO super middleweight world champion Gilberto "Zurdo" Ramirez returns to the ring on Friday, December 18, challenging North American Boxing Federation (NABF) light heavyweight champion Alfonso "El Tigre" Lopez at Galveston Island Convention Center in Galveston, Texas.
“The Battle of Rio Grande” will be co-promoted by Zurdo Promotions and El Tigre Promotions, the first promotion for each under their respective companies.
Ramirez believes that he'll eventually face countryman Saul "Canelo" Alvarez in the future.
Back in November 2019, Canelo captured the WBO title at 175-pounds by knocking out Sergey Kovalev. He dropped down in weight in the aftermath.
“I’m looking forward to hosting my first fight and appreciate all the support and love I’ve received,” said Ramirez. “I want to give special thanks to FITE.TV, El Tigre Promotions, Be Def Sports, and the state of Texas for being great partners in this event. I feel better than ever thanks to my trainers, Julian Chua, Joel Flores, and Chris Wong, for keeping me in shape since my last fight.
“I can’t wait to step back in the ring in what will be a great weekend for boxing fans. Canelo knows our paths will eventually cross and it won’t be pretty for him, but in the meantime, I’ll see you guys on December 18 in Texas."
After making several defenses, Ramirez (40-0, 26 KOs) vacated the WBO title at 168 and moved up to light heavyweight and beat Tommy Karpency on April 12, 2019, whose corner threw in the towel after four rounds.
Lopez (32-2, 25KOs) born in Corpus Christi now residing in Huntsville, Texas, has won his last ten bouts, only two of which went the distance.
Tickets are priced at $65, $135, $250 and $400 for VIP, go on sale tomorrow, Thursday, November 26, at 6 pm ET / 3 pm PT and can be purchased at https://zurdopromotions.events.com/
