Philippines, 26 Jun 2026
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


Zurdo Ramirez determined to prove vs. Joe Smith, Jr. that he’s learned from his canceled fight against Gabe Rosado

PhilBoxing.com





This Saturday on DAZN from Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS (October 2, 2023) –- Back in March, Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez came in overweight for the first time during his long career for his scheduled fight with Gabe Rosado, which resulted in the bout being canceled, as well as the former world super middleweight champion’s reputation taking a tough hit.

Ramirez (44-1, 30 KOs) plans to prove himself against Joe “The Common Man” Smith, Jr. (28-4, 22 KOs), the former Light Heavyweight World Champion, this Saturday night in the 12-round main event on a card presented by Golden Boy Promotions, to be streamed live on DAZN from The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas.

“The cancellation of the Rosado fight was definitely a disappointing and challenging moment in my career,” Ramirez admitted. “It was the first time I missed weight and I take full responsibility for it. I understand that it had an impact on both the fight itself and my reputation. I want to sincerely apologize to my fans, my team, and everyone who was looking forward to the fight.

“I’m aware that setbacks like this can have an impact but I believe that how I respond to adversity is what truly matters. I’m determined to show through my actions and performances that I’m dedicated to my career and to rectify my past mistakes. I’m focusing on the present and future, and I’m looking forward to proving myself in upcoming fights and regaining the trust of those who support me.”

Ramirez and Smith will both be moving up to the cruiserweight division for the first time, although their fight will be contested at 190-pounds. In some respects, Zurdo vs. Smith is an elite crossroads fight in terms of the winner becoming a legitimate world cruiserweight contender, the loser more of a name “opponent”.

“Zurdo” completely understands that saying he’s learned from the aforementioned Rosado fight cancellation simply isn’t enough going into the fight with Smith.

“I take full responsibility for not making weight and for any disappointment it caused,” he said. “Moving forward, I’m making several changes to ensure that such a situation doesn’t happen again, Moreover, the experience has motivated me to redouble my efforts in every aspect of my training camp. From my conditioning and skill development to my mental preparedness, I’m leaving no stone unturned, I’m determined to prove that I’ve learned from my mistakes and that I’m fully committed to my career and the expectations that come with it.

“Ultimately, I understand that actions speak louder than words, and I’m dedicated to showing through my performance that I’ve taken the necessary steps to rectify the situation and come back stronger and more focused than ever.”

Interestingly enough, “Zurdo” and Smith have fought four common opponents. Both lost 12-round decisions to World Boxing Association (WBA) Super World Light Heavyweight Champion Sergey Bivol, both took decisions from Maxim Vlasov and Jesse Hart (Ramirez did so twice). The only difference was in Ramirez’ favor because “Zurdo” knocked out Sullivan Barrera and Smith lost a decision to Sullivan.

Does this common opponent comparison give Ramirez an advantage going into the Smith fight?

“No,” he quickly answered. Every fight is different, and I don’t ever compare any fight in that manner. Joe is a world champion who I know on fight night will come with everything he has to become victorious.”

INFORMATION:
Website: www.ZurdoPromotions.com
Facebook: /ZurdoPromotions, /GilbertoZurdoRamirez
Instagram: @zurdoramirez, @zurdopromotions
Twitter: @ZurdoPromotions, @GilbertoZurdoRamirez




Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • Top-ranked Charly Suarez facing Manuel Avila, plus two more fights added to July 18 ProBoxTV event
    , Fri, 26 Jun 2026
  • Yanon fights Kaji in Tokyo on July 4
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Fri, 26 Jun 2026
  • Preparations underway for 2026 IBA men’s divisional continental championships
    , Fri, 26 Jun 2026
  • Highland Boxing Promotions Presents "Warrior Showdown" in Bangkok on June 27
    By Carlos Costa, , Thu, 25 Jun 2026
  • Usyk reportedly considering retirement but could face Kabayel before the year ends
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Thu, 25 Jun 2026
  • Luke Littler and Ben Whittaker join forces as Matchroom Sport takes over New York City
    , Thu, 25 Jun 2026
  • IOC Announces $10,000 'Fit for the Future' Grant for All Qualifying Olympians, Including Boxers
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Thu, 25 Jun 2026
  • Boxers did it first: IBA President welcomes IOC’s decision on allocating funds among athletes
    , Thu, 25 Jun 2026
  • PH national now ready for Asia-Oceania Sambo
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Thu, 25 Jun 2026
  • UFC TITLE CHALLENGER IAN MACHADO GARRY JOINS MATCHROOM TALENT AGENCY AS EDDIE HEARN LAUDS 'SUPERSTAR' SIGNING
    , Thu, 25 Jun 2026
  • Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: The Fathers in the boxing world
    By Mauricio Sulaimán, , Wed, 24 Jun 2026
  • Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan arrive for Asia & Oceania Sambo Tournament
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 24 Jun 2026
  • Mexican Hall of Fame Legend Carlos Zarate undergoes surgery in Mexico
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 24 Jun 2026
  • IM Arca to see action in 28th Asian Youth Chess Championships 2026 in Shenzhen,China
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 24 Jun 2026
  • Lenar Perez to Face Former Two-Time World Title Challenger Thabiso Mchunu, with Fendero-Fondjo as Co-Feature on September 3 in Montreal!
    , Wed, 24 Jun 2026
  • Gustavo Trujillo'S Remarkable Journey Continues as Reigning Bkb Heavyweight Champion Climbs the Pro Boxing Ranks
    , Wed, 24 Jun 2026
  • AMER ABDALLAH APPOINTED ADVISOR TO THE KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN BOXING FEDERATION
    , Wed, 24 Jun 2026
  • Youth Sports Sambo on June 25
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 24 Jun 2026
  • Train for Puma Half Marathon in starts June 24
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 24 Jun 2026
  • THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 22 JUNE 2026
    By Eric Armit, , Tue, 23 Jun 2026
  • Team PH reigns in Senior League Softball Asia-Pacific and Middle East Regional Tournament in Indonesia
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 23 Jun 2026
  • ZAYAS AND BOOTS KICK-OFF FIGHT WEEK WITH STORMY FIRST FACE-OFF IN BROOKLYN
    , Tue, 23 Jun 2026
  • Santisima, Apolinar stop foes
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 23 Jun 2026
  • BOOTS: I FEEL GREAT AT 154
    , Tue, 23 Jun 2026
  • Bohat is PBF Silver bantamweight champion
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 23 Jun 2026




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2026 philboxing.com.