The journey to a light heavyweight title shot continues for Gilberto Ramirez as he makes his 2021 debut on Friday against Sullivan Barrera from the Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles, Calif. The card will be streamed live exclusively worldwide on DAZN.
Ramirez (41-0, 27 KOs), a former WBO super middleweight champion, is 2-0 with both wins via stoppage since making the venture up to 175 pounds in April 2019. Nevertheless, the 30-year-old is looking forward to taking on his stiffest test to date at light heavyweight.
"I'm excited to be headlining this show in Los Angeles with Golden Boy Promotions," Ramirez said in a press release. "It's going to be a great night of boxing with fans back in the stands. I've always enjoyed fighting here, and I can't wait to put on a show to continue my hunt for the light heavyweight championship. I appreciate Oscar and the Golden Boy family for their love and support, and I look will forward to a great night of boxing."
Barrera (22-3, 14 KOs) has come up short against 175-pound unified champion Andre Ward, current WBA (super) titlist Dmitry Bivol, but did knock off WBO titleholder Joe Smith Jr. He'd been set to face Sergey Kovalev in January, but the latter failed a drug test, and the fight was pulled. So now he gets another opportunity to be in a marquee affair.
"I'm excited to have the opportunity to headline such a big card against Gilberto Ramirez," Barrera said. "I know that my opponent is a former world champion with a lot of experience and that he will come very much prepared. However, I feel that I have faced much better opposition. I've also spent my entire career in the light heavyweight division, something that will be totally new for him. It will be a difficult fight, but I will walk away with my hands raised in victory."
Does Ramirez stay undefeated, or can Barrera pull off the upset?
Here is everything you need to know about Gilberto Ramirez vs. Sullivan Barrera.
Gilberto Ramirez vs. Sullivan Barrera fight date, start time
- Date : Friday, July 9
- Coverage : 9 p.m. ET; 6 p.m. PT; 2 a.m. BST
- Ramirez vs. Barrera main event (approx): 11:30 p.m. ET; 8:30 p.m.; 4:30 a.m. BST
The Gilberto Ramirez vs. Sullivan Barrera fight card takes place on Friday, July 9 at 9 p.m. ET. Ramirez and Barrera are expected to make their ring walks at approximately 11:30 p.m. ET, although that depends on the length of the earlier bouts.
Ramirez vs. Barrera TV channel, live stream
- TV / Stream : DAZN
Ramirez and Barrera will have their light heavyweight clash on DAZN worldwide in over 200 countries and territories.
Where is the Ramirez vs. Barrera fight?
The event will take place at the Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles.
Gilberto Ramirez record and bio
- Nationality : Mexican
- Age: 30
- Height : 6′ 2½″
- Reach : 75 inches
- Total fights : 41
- Record : 41-0 with 27 knockouts
Sullivan Barrera record and bio
- Nationality: Cuban
- Age: 39
- Height : 6′ 2″
- Reach : 73 inches
- Total fights : 25
- Record : 22-3 with 14 knockouts
Gilberto Ramirez vs. Sullivan Barrera fight card
- Gilberto Ramirez vs. Sullivan Barrera; Light Heavyweight
- Joseph Diaz Jr. vs. Javier Fortuna for vacant WBC Interim Lightweight title
- Tenkai Tsunami vs. Seniesa Estrada for Tsunami’s WBO Women’s Junior Flyweight title
- Hector Tanajara Jr. vs. William Zepeda; Lightweight