Jose Pedraza Camp Notes: “I want to give the fans a fight!” Jose “Sniper” Pedraza has reached the pinnacle of boxing twice before. A former lightweight and lightweight world champion, Pedraza (29-3, 14 KOs) hopes to join the list of Puerto Rican elite boxers to win world championships in three weight classes.
He could take a giant leap towards that goal when he comes up against former unified world champion Jose Ramirez in his junior lightweight 12-round main bout Friday, March 4 at the Save Center. Mart in Fresno, California. The winner will be positioned to fight for a world title later this year.
All Ramirez-Pedraza cards will stream live and exclusive on ESPN+.
Here’s what Pedraza had to say after a recent training session in Puerto Rico.
“We already have the title in our sights, and at this point, only the best remain on the road to the world championship. March 4 against Ramírez will be a very important fight, as the winner will be ready to challenge for a world title. That’s why I feel like this is a world title fight. March 4 before Ramírez, this is all or nothing. ”
“Facing a Mexican fighter like Ramírez and being part of the historic showdown between Mexico and Puerto Rico is something very important and a huge responsibility. At the same time, it’s thrilling to offer fans a legendary match they’ll remember forever. I want to organize a great fight. I want to give the fans a fight.”
“My goal since going up to 140 pounds has been to win a world title to add myself to the select group of Puerto Rican champions in three weight classes. I want to be in that group with ‘Tito’, Cotto, Gomez, Camacho and Vázquez, among others. I already feel that my body has adapted to the split, and now I am ready to achieve my goal. ”
“Representing Puerto Rico means a lot to me. Since the beginning of my boxing career, I have always felt the support of my Island, and that is why every time I go to the ring, I have someone in my heart. I always feel well wishes and good vibes from my people, and that’s why I always give my fight to my island.”
Ramirez vs. Pedraza headed a stacked match that included featherweight contender Joet Gonzalez (24-2, 14 KOs) against Jeo Santisima (21-3, 18 KOs) in a 10-round, professional debut US Olympic six-round heavyweight medalist Richard Torrez Jr., Gabriel Flores Jr (20-1, 7 KOs) returns in a 10-round lightweight match against Abraham Montoya (20-2-1, 14 KOs), light heavyweight Karlos Balderas (11- 1, 10 KOs) in eight rounds, a light heavyweight prospect Charlie Sheehy (1-0.1 KO) in four first rounds, 6’9 heavyweight KOs Antonio “El Gigante” Mireles (2-0, 2 KOs) in a four-circle round, and middleweight prospect Javier “Milwaukee Made” Martinez (5-0, 2 KOs) in a six-round bout.
