Joe Smith Jr.’s next title run starts with Gilberto Ramirez

Joe Smith Jr. has by no means shied away from powerful challenges.

The previous 175-pound beltholder fought each Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev in title fights and misplaced badly each instances, first by determination after which by knockout. He clearly doesn’t have a worry dropping and what that may imply in a fighter’s profession, as many do.

The 34-year-old New Yorker can be at it once more on Saturday in Las Vegas, the place he’s scheduled to face former 168-pound champ Gilberto Ramirez at cruiserweight, at which he received’t need to battle scale. They’ll be combating at a catch weight of 193.

Smith (28-4, 22 KOs) needs a shot at one other title as quickly as attainable, which is why he agreed to face one other big-name opponent instantly following his second-round stoppage loss to Beterbiev.

“One loss and also you’re not price something anymore,” Smith advised FightHype.com, referring to the influence a setback can have. “Me, alternatively, I bounce proper into taking these dangers, attempting to battle the perfect straight away.

“Do I remorse it? No. Like I stated, gentle heavyweight was powerful for me to make that division, that weight. I wished to win titles as rapidly as I might. It simply didn’t work out.”

Ramirez (44-1, 30 KOs) has had his personal issues.

The 32-year-old Mexican was outclassed by Bivol in his try and develop into a two-division champion final November. He then missed weight by 7.6 kilos for his bout with Gabriel Rosado in March and he battle was canceled.

He, too, is embracing a recent begin in a brand new division and is prepared to face a stiff take a look at to maneuver rapidly towards a title shot.

After all, Ramirez isn’t within the class of Bivol or Beterbiev. Smith respects him but in addition sees weaknesses.

“I feel he’s only a very lively, busy man,” he stated of his opponent. “He has lengthy vary, lengthy attain, likes to get inside and blend it up and simply punch. I simply need to be in nice form and punch with him. “

Smith didn’t wish to reveal what he believes are Ramirez’s vulnerabilities however stated his path to victory is evident.

“It’s extra simply staying busy,” he stated, “punching when he makes the errors I see.”

Smith and Ramirez had been unable to take management of the 175-pound division due to the abilities of its champions, Bivol and Beterbiev.

The 200-pound weight class doesn’t have the identical impenetrable wall, which might be an open door to a title shot for Smith. The battle on Saturday is being billed as a “title eliminator.”

“Yeah, if I’m provided alternatives, I imagine I can get there rapidly,” he stated. “I can get there rapidly and get a title shot and presumably develop into a two-time champion. However I’ve to get previous Zurdo (Ramirez) to even contemplate transferring on within the cruiserweight division.

“I’ll give it 100% and see what occurs.”