Ramirez vs. Buatsi Fight: A Path to Undisputed at 175?
The Stakes
This Saturday night, the light heavyweight division will take center stage as WBA champion Dmitry Bivol takes on pound-for-pound king Canelo Álvarez. But while that fight is sure to steal the headlines, there’s another intriguing light heavyweight clash taking place on the undercard that could have a major impact on the division’s future.
In the co-main event, undefeated WBO champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez will defend his title against former WBA champion Joshua Buatsi. The winner of this fight will be in a prime position to challenge the winner of Bivol vs. Canelo, and could potentially become the undisputed champion at 175 pounds.
Ramirez's Path to Undisputed
Ramirez has long been considered one of the best light heavyweights in the world. The 31-year-old Mexican has an impressive record of 44-0, with 30 knockouts. He won the WBO title in 2019, and has successfully defended it twice since then.
Ramirez is a skilled boxer with a good jab and a powerful right hand. He is also very good at cutting off the ring and putting his opponents on the back foot.
Buatsi's Path to Undisputed
Buatsi is a rising star in the light heavyweight division. The 29-year-old Englishman has a record of 16-0, with 13 knockouts. He won the WBA title in 2022, but lost it to Bivol in his first defense.
Buatsi is a big, powerful puncher with good boxing skills. He is also very athletic and has a good chin.
The Intangibles
In addition to their skills and experience, the intangibles could also play a role in this fight. Ramirez is a seasoned veteran who has been in big fights before. Buatsi, on the other hand, is still relatively inexperienced at the world level.
Ramirez also has the home-field advantage. The fight will take place in Guadalajara, Mexico, and Ramirez is sure to have a large and vocal crowd behind him.
Prediction
This is a tough fight to predict. Ramirez is the more experienced fighter, but Buatsi is the bigger puncher. Ramirez is also fighting at home, but Buatsi has already shown that he can win on the road.
Ultimately, I think Ramirez's experience and skill will be the difference. He will win a close fight by decision, and will move on to challenge the winner of Bivol vs. Canelo for the undisputed light heavyweight championship.
Implications for the Light Heavyweight Division
The winner of Ramirez vs. Buatsi will be in a prime position to challenge the winner of Bivol vs. Canelo. If Ramirez wins, it will set up a potential all-Mexican showdown for the undisputed title. If Buatsi wins, it will give the UK its first undisputed champion at 175 pounds.
Either way, the winner of Ramirez vs. Buatsi will be a major player in the light heavyweight division for years to come.
