“Zurdo” Ramirez up for ordered WBC fight with Browne
“Zurdo” is ready to face Marcus Browne for an interim WBC belt.
With the WBC ordering an interim light heavyweight title fight (which actually makes sense for once) between Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez and Marcus Browne, we can say that at least one side is showing real interest.
Ramirez (41-0, 27 KO) says he’s up for the bout, and sees Browne (23-1, 16 KO) as a strong opponent.
“This is an interesting opportunity and I’m ready to fight anyone in the light heavyweight division to leave my mark on the sport,” Ramirez said. “I know Marcus has been out of the ring for a while, but he’s a U.S. Olympian and still one of the best in the game. I know he’s wanted this fight for a while and hopefully we can make something happen.
“In addition, it’s always been my dream to get the green belt and bring it back to Mexico. I have a lot of respect for the WBC and Mauricio Suliman and I am grateful for all their love and support throughout my career.”
Artur Beterbiev is currently holder of the WBC title, along with the IBF, but Beterbiev’s return has been delayed several times over, and he hasn’t fought since Oct. 2019, when he unified those belts with an impressive stoppage win over Oleksandr Gvozdyk.
As for any promotional issues in making this one, Ramirez is now promoting himself after splitting with Top Rank, while Browne is a PBC guy. Logic suggests that if it happens, it would wind up on a PBC show, because it’s a good fight and, frankly, Ramirez doesn’t have much pull as a promoter, running one show so far in Texas on Dec. 18, a small event where he beat Alfonso Lopez in the main event.
“There are always challenges to making a fight become reality,” Ramirez said. “But me being both the fighter and sole promoter, I’m flexible on the common problems that takes to make a fight. I’m not sure how much time Marcus will need to be ready, but both time and location can be determined when the other preliminary items are agreed upon. If it goes to a purse bid, I’m ready for the process and, hopefully, this fight can happen for both of us.”