Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez to make Golden Boy debut in May, targeting Dmitry Bivol for this year

Golden Boy recently announced that they’d signed former 168-pound titlist Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez to a multi-fight deal, and Ramirez intends to make his debut under their promotional banner in May, crediting Oscar De La Hoya’s support with helping him make the decision to sign with a new promoter.

“Ultimately, Golden Boy understood the goals and agendas I set for myself and I felt the strong support from Oscar and his team,” Ramirez said. “It’s a multi-fight deal with potential for something longer pending this first experience. From all the conversations my team and I have had with Golden Boy, I felt comfortable with them and the future opportunities that will arise from our relationship.

“Oscar is a great guy and it’s been nothing but a pleasure dealing with him and his team. As my relationship with Golden Boy continues to grow, I’m sure (Oscar and I) will become closer. He’s a champion and one of the greatest to ever lace up the gloves. I look forward to working to him closely.”

The 29-year-old Ramirez (41-0, 27 KO) won’t be gunning for a title fight in May, but has his eyes on the WBA light heavyweight title held by Dmitry Bivol, which with the new Golden Boy (and DAZN) relationship is probably the easiest big fight he can make.

“Bivol is someone who has always been on the radar and I have full faith in (Golden Boy matchmaker) Robert Diaz to put together the best fights for me,” Ramirez said. “Unification has always been the goal. I know I’m the best in the division and hope to make this happens for the history books in the near future.”

Since leaving Top Rank in mid-2020, Ramirez has started his own promotional company, and held a fight card in Texas this past December, winning in the main event. Though he’s fighting with Golden Boy, he will follow the lead of many other fighters and keep his own company active, also hoping to continue promoting cards in his native Mexico.

“Going forward, all my fights with Golden Boy will be in association with Zurdo Promotions. I will host fights in Mexico to be a bridge between Latin America and the United States,” he said. “There’s tremendous talent in that region and I hope to use my platform to help and support the underserved fighters in Mexico.”