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Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez will make the move to cruiserweight in his next fight, which comes up against Joe "Common Man" Smith Jr. on October 7.
Former WBO super middleweight champion Ramirez (44-1, 30 KOs) was last in the ring in November 2022, when he suffered his first loss in a light heavyweight bout against Dmitry Bivol.
He now moves to cruiserweight, where he'll take on former WBO light heavyweight champion Smith (28-4, 22 KOs), who himself is coming off a loss. Smith was defeated by Artur Beterbiev in June 2022, a fight that also resulted in the loss of the WBO belt.
With both men eager to get back to winning ways, this could be an explosive encounter.
Here's everything you need to know ahead of Zurdo vs. Smith.
When is Gilberto Ramirez vs Joe Smith Jr?
- Date: Saturday, October 7
- Time: 9 p.m. ET / 2 a.m. UK
The event is set to get underway at 9 p.m. ET / 2 a.m. UK with the main event ringwalks still to be determined. The fight will be held at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.
What has been said?
Gilberto Ramirez:
“I am ready to take over the cruiserweight division and prove to myself that I can add another championship belt to my resume,” said Ramirez. “I want to thank all of my fans, Golden Boy, DAZN, the WBA, and my entire team that have supported me through this season of change. We are ready to face a hungry opponent in Joe Smith Jr. who is used to being an underdog. I know both of us wanted this fight at light heavyweight a few years back, but I’m glad we can make it now. See you all in Las Vegas!”
Joe Smith Jr:
“It feels great to return to the ring in a big way on October 7 against ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez,” said Joe Smith Jr. “I was having a rough time this year, then we tragically lost my brother Alex on top of it all. I miss him and know he will be with me when I step into that ring. He was always proud of me and he would be happy to see me back. I can’t wait to show the world the Common Man is back and hope my performance can bring some happiness and inspiration back to my family.”