Golden Boy Confirms March Return Of “Zurdo” Ramirez

Former #1 ranked WBA light heavyweight contender Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez will return to the ring in March according to his promoter, Golden Boy.

They confirmed that Ramirez, who suffered his first pro loss his last time out in a one-sided decision to WBA world champ Dmitry Bivol, will fight veteran Gabe Rosado March 18th at a site to be determined.

Our Dan Rafael originally reported the date last week. And, we also discussed Zurdo’s return briefly on the most recent “Fight Freaks Unite Recap” podcast,

From the Golden Boy official release:

“In a high-stakes crossroads fight, former world champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramírez (44-1, 30 KOs) of Mazatlán, Mexico and Philadelphia’s former world title contender Gabriel “King” Rosado (26-16-1, 15 KOs) will battle in a tough, Mexico vs. Puerto Rico 12-round light heavyweight matchup. The event is scheduled to take place on Saturday, March 18 and will be broadcast worldwide on DAZN beginning at 5:00 p.m. PST/ 8:00 p.m. EST.

Zurdo Ramirez is returning to the ring hungrier than ever after his valiant effort against Dmitry Bivol last November 2022

“I’m glad to be back. I had a lot of time to reflect since my last fight and am looking forward to putting on a show against a very-game veteran like Gabe Rosado,” said Zurdo Ramirez. “Just like everyone else, I have goals, dreams and aspirations to be on top and I feel more motivated today than ever. We may get knocked off our path, but my quest for greatness will never stop. I appreciate all the love from my fans and supporters and I promise to be back with vengeance. See you guys March 18th!”

Gabriel Rosado is a dream-spoiler who has dismantled the championship aspirations of a number of elite fighters, most recently a third-round knockout of hot prospect Bektemir Melikuziev. He will be going up a division to face Ramirez.

“I’m excited to start the year off with a bang! I have a great deal of respect for Zurdo Ramírez. We’re friends, But come March 18, it’s all business,” said Gabriel Rosado. “This is the kind of fight Gabriel Rosado shows up for! I will not let myself or the fans down. Thank you to Golden Boy Promotions and DAZN for the opportunity.”

“This is a dangerous crossroads fight featuring the explosive Mexico vs. Puerto Rico rivalry,” said Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions Oscar De La Hoya. “Zurdo will attempt to make a comeback statement against the certified dream-spoiler Gabe Rosado who has derailed the careers of various top fighters.”

While the release didn’t give a location, it’s could be that the March bout will be in Southern California where Ramirez, the former WBO super middleweight champ, had fought three of his previous five bouts for Golden Boy prior to meeting Bivol last November in Abu Dhabi.