Undefeated Mexican light heavyweight star Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez 44-0 (30) became the official challenger for the WBA title held by Dmitry Bivol 20-0 (11) with a fourth-round knockout of Germany’s Dominic Boesel 32-3 (12) at the Toyota Center in Ontario, California on Saturday night.
Southpaw Ramirez, 30, was dominant as he walked down Boesel and mixed up shots to the body and head.
“I feel great about my performance,” said Ramirez. “As I said, I would put on a spectacular show here in LA. I got the victory via knockout.
“I was expecting his best; we were expecting heavy shots. I trained way too hard for this position, and no one will take it from me. I used my distance more and I attacked the body more. I know my last fight was tough, but I was really prepared for this one.
“I ate more tacos for this fight. I feel this is my natural weight.
“Everyone knows I want Bivol. He needs to stop running and sign the contract. I’m coming for you and that belt. I deserve that fight. I think I can beat him since I’m bigger, stronger and smarter.”
“I thought I would hit him more with my jab,” said Boesel. “I came confidently to this fight. He got me in the liver with the first punch. I couldn’t do much when I got hit with the body shot.”
In the co-main event of the night, rising lightweight star William ‘El Camaron’ Zepeda 25-0 (23) scored a unanimous decision victory over former world champion Rene ‘Gemelo’ Alvarado 32-11 (21) in an entertaining contest. The scores were 98-92, 97-93 and 96-94.
“It was a great fight with a great fighter,” said Zepeda. “I have a lot to learn, and we need to work on some things. I want to thank Alvarado for the opportunity. He gave me some of his experience, which I am grateful for. We’re going to keep giving it our all. Now to enjoy this victory. Thank you to all my fans.”
Also on the card super flyweight John ‘Scrappy’ Ramirez 10-0 (8) knocked out Jan Salvatierra 8-2 (4) in the opening round.
The battle ended early after Ramirez landed a power shot that propelled Salvatierra out of the ring. The referee waved off the fight at the 2:25 mark.
“I knew I was going to end the fight via knockout,” said Ramirez. “I am excited the fight ended dramatically, but there is more to come from me. I am going to keep working, keep rising until I can claim that world title.”
Opening up the DAZN live stream, fan-favorite Katsuma ‘El Cuete Japonecito’ Akitsugi 10-0 (1) faced veteran Jose Gonzalez 23-1 (13) in a scheduled 10-round featherweight fight. Early in the third round an accidental head-butt opened up a cut on Gonzalez’s left eye. After review from the doctor at 0:01 of the fourth round, it was determined that the fight could not go on and Akitsgui was given the victory by technical decision.
“I don’t even feel like I fought,” said Akitsugi. “I was trying to fight the full ten rounds. Unfortunately, the head butt was an accident. I wanted to continue, but it is what it is. I can’t wait to fight on more Golden Boy cards.”
