Jose Ramirez Sets Sights on Big Fights After Weight Class Change
Former unified junior welterweight champion Jose Ramirez is stepping into a new weight class, but his ambitions remain the same. Ramirez, who hails from California’s Central Valley, is determined to secure high-profile fights that will bolster both his bank account and his legacy.
This Saturday, Ramirez (28-1, 18 KOs) will headline a DAZN-streamed card at the SaveMart Center in Fresno, taking on Rances Barthelemy (30-2-1, 15 KOs). For Ramirez, this homecoming bout offers a chance to shake off the rust from a 13-month hiatus since his 11th-round knockout of Richard Commey.
A New Team, A New Mindset
Ramirez’s trainer, Robert Garcia, believes his fighter’s mindset and approach have undergone a significant transformation. “A new team behind him as a promoter, his mentality, his mindset – everything is totally different. We have a new Jose,” Garcia told BoxingScene.
The former champion recently signed with Golden Boy Promotions, closing the chapter on his tenure with Top Rank, the promotional outfit that helped guide him to world title glory. Ramirez had hoped to secure a high-profile clash with Teofimo Lopez in the latter part of 2023, but those plans failed to materialize.
Eyeing Biggest Names in the Division
Now, Ramirez has set his sights on facing some of the division’s biggest names, many of whom also compete under the DAZN banner. “We are looking for those world championship fights,” Ramirez declared at Thursday’s press conference. “It could be against Devin Haney [or] even Ryan Garcia.”
Renowned for being a sizable junior welterweight, Ramirez is willing to move up in weight for the right opportunity. “It could be anyone at 140, 143, 144 – I don’t mind,” the former champion stated.
Confident in His Readiness
As Ramirez prepares to return to the ring, his trainer, Robert Garcia, exudes confidence in his fighter’s readiness to take on all comers. “We are up to fight anybody,” Garcia said. “Haney, Ryan, whoever. I know Jose is ready for anybody at 140. Like he said, 145 if he has to make a catchweight – why not?”
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