Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez, Mexico’s undefeated WBO super middleweight titlist and undefeated No. 1 featherweight contender Oscar Valdez will top the pay-per-view undercard headlined by the junior welterweight world title unification battle between undefeated Terence “Bud” Crawford and “The Iceman” Viktor Postol.
Ramirez will be making the first defense of his title against Dominik Britsch. Valdez will rumble with undefeated Matias”La Cobrita” Rueda for the vacant WBO featherweight title. The pay-per-view telecast will open with Jose Benavidez Jr in a 10-round welterweight battle against Francisco “Chia” Santana.
The eight pay-per-view warriors boast a combined record of 216-6-2 (135 KOs) — a winning percentage of 96% with nearly 2/3 of their victories coming by way of knockout.
“I am very excited to be making my first world title defense. I am working hard to make it a successful defense as I plan to be a world champion for a long time,” said Ramirez. “Dominik is a tough challenger, very strong. I don’t know a lot about him personally but I will train hard as always. It feels great being on another HBO Pay-Per- View event. One day I want to be in the main event of a pay per view. That goal motivates me to do my best.”
“I am very happy to be fighting the No. 1 super middleweight — world champion Gilberto Ramirez,” said Britsch. “My slogan is, ‘Only those who dare to lose can win.’ Gilberto, I am ready for you.”
“I really believe that looking at my past few fights I have earned the opportunity to fight for a world championship,” said Valdez. “Now is the time to take advantage of this opportunity.”
“Although this will be my second fight in the U.S. and many people might think I am not the favorite, I will surprise lots of fans,” said Rueda. “I respect my opponent, but I am going to Las Vegas determined and with only one thing on my mind – winning the belt and bringing it back to Argentina with me. You can all be sure of that. My opponent is going to lose. I respect him, he is a very good fighter, but he will lose.”
“This fight is very important because I want to show everyone that I am ready to beat world-class fighters in the welterweight pound division,” said Benavidez. “I know Santana is a good fighter but I have what it takes to outclass and beat him on July 23. I have been training hard and am more than ready to show what I bring to the table on fight night and prove I belong.”
“I feel extremely blessed to be fighting against Benavidez on HBO Pay-Per-View. He is a talented fighter but I am ready to rise to the occasion and prove to the world that I am an elite fighter and a future world champion,” said Santana. “I view this fight as getting me one step closer to a world title shot. On the night we get into the ring I will live up to my motto – ‘Train, Fight, Win’ – one fight at a time.”
