Blow by blow…”Joe”

World Boxing Council super lightweight world champion José Ramírez remains active and ready to fight.

The former Mexican-American Olympian has not fought since knocking out Maurice Hooker last July, in a fight where he won the WBO belt.

He was supposed to defend against Viktor Postol on February 2 in China, but he became one of the first fighters to be impacted by the global situation of COVID-19. That championship bout had been rescheduled for May 9 in Fresno, but then another postponement due to injury!

Ramírez is in quarantine with his family in the Central Valley of California, but he keeps training and awaits the final date for his fight with Postol.

Ramirez recently spoke to Top Rank’s Crystina Poncher and discussed some interesting aspects of his career:

How have you dealt with the COVID-19 pandemic?

“Obviously this is the second time my fight has been postponed. There is a lot of frustration due to the sacrifices we went through. I have been training for the same fight since November. I trained during the Christmas holidays. That is always difficult.

“I had a strategy for 2020, like any other fighter. I had a plan to fight three times. I was happy to start early and hopefully move to the welterweight division next year. This diverts my plans, but I think everything happens for a reason. Right now, we just have to stay safe. We have to come through this crisis together.

“I remain optimistic with everything, with the doctors, with all the first responders. I think everyone is working hard to get together and go through this fast and get back to normal. Right now, I think this is something that requires everyone to be on the same page, to really practice self-isolation so that we can stop the spread of this virus. I know my fight will be one of the first when this is all over.”

Once the fight with Postol is rescheduled, would you like to try to stay at 140 pounds and get more belts or is a jump to 147 pounds imminent?

“I owe it to myself to fight the other champion in my division, Josh Taylor. There are other fighters I couldn’t face at 140. I want to prove that I am the best super lightweight in the world. It is only a matter of time, and once I do, I think that my name will span the world. It will definitely have a stronger impact when I move to 147 pounds knowing I am the Undisputed Champion.”

Would you like a fight with Regis Prograis in the future?

“Sure. I think if the fight with Regis goes through, it could take place at 147 pounds, because I already have fights lined up at super light. I really want to gain weight after those fights.”