by: Matthew N. Becher

On June 26th, live from Hidalgo, Texas Top Rank Promotions will unveil one of its best kept secrets in the Super Middleweight division, Gilberto Ramirez. Ramirez is a 23 year old Mexican southpaw who is looking to make his mark upon the division and add another win to his already impressive 31-0 record. Already ranked by the WBA & IBF #3 & WBO & WBC #2 in the 168lb division respectively, Ramirez will take on his toughest opponent to date in crafty veteran Derek Edwards. Gilberto was kind enough to take a few moments away from his busy training schedule and speak with BoxingInsider.com

Boxing Insider: Who was your favorite fighter growing up?

Gilberto Ramirez: Julio Caesar Chavez Sr.

Boxing Insider: You became a professional fighter at only 18 years old. Why did you decide to turn pro at such an early age?

Gilberto Ramirez: Even though I started boxing early I didn’t really have much of an amateur career. I just went to the gym after school, worked with the kids that were there, but I was always looking to become a pro since day one. I was just waiting for my body to mature and at about 18 years old, my body was fully matured and you can actually go pro in Mexico and fight and that is what I did.

Boxing Insider: Right now you are a Super Middleweight. What is your normal, walking around weight? And is 168 easy to make for you?

Gilberto Ramirez: Right now at 168, you know, you work hard. That’s my weight and I have no problem making 168. I know that I can have a few years in this division and I feel that I don’t get heavy in between fights. I spend all my time , as soon as I’m done fighting, I go right back to the gym. So you aren’t going to see me weigh a lot more than 168-170. I’m gonna be fine at that weight, and if one day we decide to go to 175, we’ll do it.

Boxing Insider: Top Rank has brought you along at a very steady pace. And this is a big step up fight with Derek Edwards whose fought a lot of big names (Dirrell, Korobov, Adonis Stevenson & gave Badou Jack his first career loss). Is this a statement fight for you?

Photos: Chris Farina/Top Rank

Gilberto Ramirez: Edwards is definitely a challenge for me. I think you’re getting one of those fighters that makes you grow as a fighter. Those fighters that you love to step into the ring, because you know they’re gonna challenge you, and make you work for whatever you get in the ring. That’s why the way I’ve been training is like this is for a world championship fight, it’s a very important fight, all the fights are important, they come at a time in your career where, you know is the next logical step and for me Edwards is the next step. I expect a real tough fight, with a guy that has a lot of experience, so yes, I’m looking forward. Because I need to show the people what I’m capable of at this level.

Boxing Insider: Even though you are ranked very high by all the major sanctioning bodies, you are still very young and relatively unknown. Does being on TruTV, network television bring an awareness for you to broaden your fan base, make your name more known and does that play a part in dictating how you will fight?

Gilberto Ramirez: I am very happy for this kind of opportunity. I know what I will need to do in the ring, that you have to work hard for it, but you also have to enjoy it. You go in the ring, have a good time, you already know what you need to do and there is no pressure, you just go in and do the best you can. The fans will respond to you if its a good fight, and I know it’s gonna be a great fight. I know the fans are gonna be screaming my name. I know after this a lot more people are going to know who I am and all the hard work that you do in the gym is going to show in the fight.

Boxing Insider: Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions and good luck to you on June 26th and throughout your career.

Gilberto Ramirez: I would like to thank Boxing Insider for taking the time to talk to me, and hopefully you will enjoy the fight on the 26th.

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