EXCLUSIVE | WBA and WBO cruiserweight champion Gilberto Ramirez has sent a stark warning to Jake Paul in a recent World Boxing News interview.
Ramirez features on the undercard of Paul’s fight with Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. on June 28 to add a Mexican flavor to the event.
‘Zurdo’ is Mexico’s first super middleweight champion, having trumped Canelo Alvarez to the honor. He then moved up to light heavyweight and cruiserweight, claiming unified belts.
This resume attracted the attention of Paul, who had no problem extending an invitation to the champion of his division.
The inclusion of Ramirez instantly brought about speculation that Paul wants to challenge the talented 47-1 world ruler. Paul holds lofty ambitions of being a champion himself and could target Ramirez if he defeats Chavez Jr.
Gilberto Ramirez on Jake Paul
WBN put this prospect to Ramirez, who explained how the opportunity came about and his thoughts on the potential match-up.
“I was scheduled for this date since early February or March and was contacted by my team to see if I was interested in being on the same card,” Ramirez told World Boxing News.
“I know Jake mentioned that he’s ready to fight me today during the press conference, but I’m not sure if he really meant it. If he does follow through on his words, I’ll be open to giving him a shot at the title.
“All the respect to him for actually putting in the work and making noise in the sport, but he’s a YouTuber at the end of the day.
“There are levels to this game, and if he really means it, we can make it the next fight.”
Paul has defeated MMA fighters, a 58-year-old Mike Tyson, and hapless non-prospect professionals since entering the sport a few years ago.
His polarizing callouts have never matched his ability, despite the ex-Disney child actor mentioning Canelo and Anthony Joshua for future headliners.
Anyone with a slight morsel of boxing knowledge knows the significant flaws in Paul’s game.
Stay away or plan a funeral
Ramirez is well aware as a seasoned champion and knows he could inflict significant damage on the wannabe.
“Jake Paul is a hard worker and has generated more success for himself than most professional fighters.
“It’s been impressive to watch, but I do believe he knows best for himself to stay away from a real fighter like myself.
“All talk is cheap. But Jake Paul knows he should plan a funeral if he commits to a fight against me,” said Zurdo.
On facing Chavez Jr., if he beats Paul, Ramirez added, “We’ll see if either is open to accepting my offer to fight after June 28.
In conclusion, WBN asked Ramirez if he’d watched Paul’s victory over Tyson in November at the AT&T Stadium in Texas.
Ramirez didn’t grace his possible future rival with his eyeballs.
“I did not watch it,” he revealed bluntly.
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Read all articles and exclusive interviews by Phil Jay and learn more about the author. Phil Jay is an experienced boxing writer and Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News since 2010.
