Undefeated former WBO super middleweight champion Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez 42-0 (28) is inching closer to a world title shot with the announcement he will face Yunieski ‘The Monster’ Gonzalez 21-3 (17) in a WBA light heavyweight title eliminator at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas on December 18.
Victory will put the winner in line to face WBA light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol 18-0 (11).
“I’m happy and excited to be back in the ring before the year ends and showcase my talent again in Texas,” the 30-year-old southpaw Ramirez said.
“Of course, I was a little disappointed that Bivol didn’t want to sign the contract and make the fight happen, but that’s boxing. I know my team and Golden Boy have been working strategically to make this happen and I will not disappoint all my fans on December 18.
“Yuneski is a tough Cuban fighter and I know I will need to be my best that night. With this being the WBA world title eliminator, I know he will do everything to change his life with this fight. Once this fight is over, Bivol will have nowhere to run and will have to face me.
“Last but not least, I sincerely appreciate Mr. Gilberto Mendoza and the entire WBA organization for allowing me to be in this position. I have a tremendous amount of respect for the WBA and will do everything in my power to highly represent the organization and become the Champion.”
Cuban Gonzalez, 36, has scored three early knockout victories in the past year following his third-round knockout loss to Oleksandr ‘The Nail’ Gvozdyk 17-1 (14) in 2017.
“First and foremost, I want to thank God, Golden Boy, my representative Henry Rivaita, DAZN, the WBA and my coach Peter Roque,” Gonzalez said.
“I am coming to give my all December 18. It will be an interesting fight since I am the only Cuban boxer who’s not a runner, so fight fans will enjoy every minute of all the action.
“I have worked hard for the last year and a half and it has paid off. I fight for freedom for thousands of kids who don’t have this opportunity. I’m coming to give Texas a night to remember.”
“The light heavyweight division is stacked with great talent, but none of them are taking risks, none of them want to step up to a real challenge,” said Oscar De La Hoya, chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions.
“Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez has proven to be among the elite of the division and is ready for a world title fight. Facing Yunieski Gonzalez, a fighter who has never backed down from a challenge, will allow both fighters to secure a shot at the WBA light heavyweight world championship.
“I am excited to return to San Antonio, Texas, for this event. Fight fans have always welcomed us there and will get a night full of action and world championship level boxing.”
