Scotland’s IBF and WBA junior welterweight world champion Josh Taylor will bid to unify the division in a massive showdown with Jose Ramirez on May 22.
The 30-year ‘Tartan Tornado’ (17-0) will lock horns with WBC and WBO ruler Ramirez (26-0) in a bout to be screened live in the United States on ESPN and ESPN Deportes. The venue is yet to be confirmed.
Mouthwatering
It is a mouthwatering matchup, which had been initially slated for May 8 but was moved to avoid a clash with the Canelo Alvarez vs Billy Joe Saunders collision - that will be streamed by DAZN (outside Mexico). ‘Canelo’ traditionally fights on Cinco de Mayo weekend each year.
Top Rank chairman Bob Arum is looking forward to a genuine superfight between Taylor and Ramirez, explaining: “This is the best boxing has to offer, two elite fighters in the prime of their careers colliding in a legacy-defining matchup for the undisputed championship of the world.
“It’s a true 50-50 fight, one that the fans and both fighters demanded.”
The 50-50 nature of the big clash is clear if you look at the early betting - Taylor is around the 8/15 mark with Ramirez generally a 6/4 chance. Very little to choose between them.
Ramirez eyes history
The 28-year-old Californian Ramirez clearly has legacy on his mind going into the showdown, saying: “I look forward to making history by becoming the first boxer of Mexican descent to hold all four major world title belts.
“I dedicate this fight to the Central Valley farm workers, who are out there every day helping feed the world. This fight is big, but nothing is bigger than getting vaccinations to the farm workers right now in the Central Valley.”
Taylor meanwhile is also pumped for the biggest fight of his life, explaining, “I’m excited it’s been finalised and over the line.
“I can’t wait to get in there for the biggest fight of my career. Fighting for the undisputed title is something all boxers dream about.”