Tuesday, March 13th 2018
Jose Ramirez Unscripted: Fulfilling My Destiny
When I knocked out Mike Reed in November of last year, in front of nearly 15,000 screaming fans in Fresno, Calif., I knew what was next: Amir Imam, for the vacant WBC Super Lightweight world title. On Saturday night, at The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden, that beautiful, green WBC belt will be mine.
The WBC sanctioned the fight between Imam and I a couple weeks after we closed the deal with Reed. As a fighter, I could’ve chosen to cancel the fight and gone straight to Amir Imam, but to become a better fighter, you have to prepare yourself. Since I was a young kid, my family instilled in me the idea that if you’re going to start something, finish it right. I signed the contract to fight Reed. I finished him in the second round. It doesn’t get righter than that.
I always had that work ethic. After dominating Reed, I’m in a much better position than if I had cancelled the fight. I didn’t see fighting Reed as “risking a title shot.”
The Imam fight will be extra special because it will mark the 2,000th WBC world title fight. When I think of all the legends who have worn that belt — from Chavez to Ali — I am honored to have the opportunity to become a WBC champion. That’s part of my destiny. Coming from a non-boxing family, to making the 2012 Olympics, and fighting for the WBC title, everything is falling into place.
I can’t wait to get in that ring and ultimately hear the ring announcer say, “AND NEW WBC CHAMPION!” I’m from a small farming community, but I’ve always dreamed big. And, soon, one of my biggest dreams will come true.
Ramirez vs. Imam will headline a spectacular St. Patrick’s Day world title extravaganza, Saturday, March 17, at The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden. The Ramirez – Imam world championship event will be televised live and exclusively at 8 p.m. EST on ESPN and stream live on the ESPN App at 5:30 p.m. EST.
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Promoted by Top Rank and Don King Productions, in association with Madison Square Garden. Tickets priced at $206, $156, $106, $81, $56 and $31, can be purchased at the Madison Square Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone (866-858-0008), and online at www.ticketmaster.com and www.MSG.com.
