José Ramírez and Rances Barthelemy Make Ring Return in Fresno Super Lightweight Showdown

José Ramírez (28-1, 18 KOs) and Rances Barthelemy (30-2-1, 15 KOs, 1 NC) will make their ring returns when they clash against each other on April 27.

The two meet in a super lightweight clash that headlines a Golden Boy Promotions event at the Save Mart Arena in Fresno, CA. Their clash will be broadcast live around the world on DAZN. Just before the main event, Vergil Ortiz Jr. (20-0, 20 KOs) faces Thomas Dulorme (26-6-1, 17 KOs) in super welterweight action.

Both Ramírez and Barthelemy have not had a professional bout in roughly a year heading into fight night. Ramírez was last seen stopping Richard Commey in March of last year, after which he left Top Rank for Golden Boy Promotions. Barthelemy last took on Omar Juarez 11 months ago, winning a majority decision. Ahead of their respective clashes, Ramírez and Ortiz spoke at a final press conference (Barthelemy and Dulorme were absent). Below is some of what they had to say.

José Ramírez and Rances Barthelemy Make Ring Return

Jose Ramírez

“First and foremost I want to thank God, Jesus Christ, for the blessings he’s given me throughout my whole career” said Ramírez. “It’s always nice to see such amazing stars: My 2012 Olympic teammates and great fighters like Vergil Ortiz and Oscar Duarte also being on the undercard. It’s quite an honour for me to be a part of boxing, be a part of boxing in the Central Valley. We’re thankful for all the fans, we’re thankful for all the supporters, the sponsors and all the support that we’ve got. It’s thanks to all you guys that the networks are interested in bringing boxing back to the Central Valley so thank you guys for the support. I’m ready for Saturday. My goal is to get back on top and to get all those belts back. I still feel like I am one of the best 140-pounders in the world. It starts by making a statement on Saturday and that’s what I was working on in the gym…”

Hear Dan Rafael and TJ Rives speak on this card and more on the “Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast” by clicking play below.

Vergil Ortiz

“I don’t got too much to say this time,” said Ortiz. “We’ve had a really good training camp. We’ve had some good sparing. I like running. I’ve had a lot of good miles put in. I really don’t have anything to say. I usually have something to say but I don’t have anything to say. Thanks for being here. I love Fresno. I’m about to get some cup of joy after I weigh in. Probably some castillos, enchiladas, ya know what I’m saying. So, thank you for being here.”

José Ramírez vs. Rances Barthelemy Fight Prediction

With several big fights available at super lightweight and welterweight, both fighters will want to make an impression. While Barthelemy may have more experience, Ramírez’s work rate should be too much for the ageing fighter. Expect Ramirez to get a late stoppage in this fight.

Other Fights to Keep an Eye On

While Ortiz’s bout may not be the best matchup, he will face Tim Tszyu (24-1, 17 KOs) should he come away unscathed against Dulorme.

In perhaps the best fight of the night, Joseph “JoJo” Diaz Jr. (33-5-1, 15 KOs) takes on Oscar Duarte (26-2-1, 21 KOs) in a 10-round lightweight contest. Both men are coming off losses and will look to return to the win column in this clash.

Marlen Esparza (14-1, 1 KO) defends her unified flyweight titles in a rematch against Gabriela Alaniz (14-1, 6 KOs). The WBC, WBO and WBA belts will be on the line. In their first meeting, Esparza won a majority decision. With three titles at stake, expect to give it their all in an entertaining encounter.

Full Press Conference

For the full press conference featuring Ramírez, Ortiz and others on the undercard, click here or the play button below. Video courtesy of Golden Boy Promotions.