Robeisy Ramirez returns to motion for the primary time since shedding his WBO featherweight title to unheralded Rafael Espinoza on Saturday.
Ramirez, rated at No. 8 by The Ring at featherweight, can be dealing with Brandon Leon Benitez within the chief help to Teofimo Lopez-Steve Claggett on the James L. Knight Middle, Miami Seaside, Florida.
“It’s going to be combat as a result of like everyone knows, Mexican fighters at all times give their greatest,” Ramirez (13-2, 8 knockouts) advised The Ring by Gabe Rivas.
“I didn’t know who he was till I discovered I’d combat him however we now have studied him with the crew. We’ve seen varied issues and [my trainer] Ismael Salas at all times does the technique relying on the opponent and his weaknesses, so we’re engaged on that ever since camp began and can be prepared for June 29. We’re going to offer a fantastic present.”
Ramirez, who was a standout novice profitable gold on the 2012 and 2016 Olympics, overcame a shock defeat in his skilled debut to shortly transfer by the ranks with a string of spectacular shows.
Ramirez claimed the vacant WBO 126-pound title final April by dominating and dropping Isaac Dogboe (UD 12). He adopted that by taking aside Satoshi Shimizu (TKO 5) in Japan.
Nonetheless, when he seemed to spherical out the yr towards the Espinoza, he got here a cropper. He says there have been mitigating circumstances round his defeat.
“There have been private points that I had and it had nothing to do with the seriousness with which I take my opponents however whether or not you prefer it or not it impacts you as an athlete should you’re not 100% mentally,” he mentioned.
“I used to be a bit bothered at first after which I began to consider my household, my job and what I’ve completed up to now 22-years and I do know I’ve to maintain going ahead. I’m nonetheless younger, I can nonetheless give rather a lot, I can nonetheless contribute rather a lot to this sport, so I depart that every one behind as a result of not all the things goes to be based mostly on only one loss.”
And with that in thoughts, the 30-year-old southpaw has moved onwards along with his life and profession.
“I believe it was a fantastic combat, it was one the place the judges thought he did higher, so he gained,” he mentioned matter-of-factly. “It was a loss that damage however it occurs, that’s the game, it occurs and so we’re targeted on what we now have in entrance of us right now.”
Whereas some fighters make wholesale modifications after an sudden loss, the gifted Cuban has made only one that was as a lot enforced on him as something.
“I made a decision to alter my bodily coach,” he mentioned. “Except for the work he was doing, he had commitments with Jake Paul, he wanted to spend extra time with him, to fly to Puerto Rico and I wanted someone by my aspect, devoted to me and my camp.”
Ramirez intends to make an announcement towards Benitez after which look to face the easiest the featherweight division has to supply.
“It’s at all times been my aim to combat towards any of the champions. That’s why I sacrifice myself a lot to combat the champions, to be a champion,” he mentioned. “I’ve had a fantastic camp and I’m able to win this combat and go off and do greater fights.
“I believe it could be good to do a revenge with Rafael Espinoza or a combat with Venado Lopez. Towards the very best at 126-pounds.”
Benitez (21-2, 9 KOs) turned skilled in his native Mexico at 16 in 2014. He misplaced his unbeaten document after 9 consecutive wins to fellow prospect Irvin Turrubiartes (TKO 3). He rebuilt with 5 wins earlier than taking a second loss, this time by the hands of future world title challenger Saul Sanchez (KO 8).
The 26-year-old from Queretaro has secured seven wins since settling at featherweight, notably edging Xu Can (SD 10) and, most lately, stopped veteran Rigoberto Hermosillo (KO 6).
Ortiz-Claggett, plus undercard bouts, can be broadcast on ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/ 7 p.m. PT.
Questions and/or feedback will be despatched to Anson at [email protected].
