Ramirez Ordered by WBO to Defend Against Catterall
By Carlos Costa
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 01 Sep 2020
Ramirez (L) defeats Postol last weekend in Las Vegas.
Fresh from his 12-round unanimous decision victory over tough Ukrainian veteran Viktor Postol, WBC/WBO super lightweight world champion Jose Ramirez (26-0, 17 KO's) has been ordered by the WBO to defend against Briton mandatory challenger Jack Catterall (25-0, 13 KO's) next.
However, the undefeated 28-year-old Mexican-American from California has been rather interested in unifying all four major super lightweight belts in a hot winner-takes-it-all multi-belt battle against unbeaten Scottish WBA/IBF Super Lightweight World Champion Josh Taylor, probably in Britain.
Jack Catterall is a really good 140-pounder, no doubt about it. But If fans are asked, they'd rather have Jose Ramirez, a headlining Top Rank fighter, against the more popular hard-hitting Scottish WBA/IBF Super Lightweight World Champion Josh Taylor (16-0, 12 KO's).
Fans would prefer Ramirez vs Taylor in part because normally fans love to watch a champion vs a champion in unification fight.
Also because of Taylor's credentials as a former Olympian in the 2012 Olympic Games who last year defeated Regis Prograis to lift the Muhammad Ali Trophy as the winner of the World Boxing Super Series in the Super Lightweight division.
Josh Taylor (R) wins over Regis Prograis in the WBSS tournament.
Yes, Ramirez vs Taylor is the natural, logical, hot fight, the one boxing fans would prefer. But we all know that fans do not always get what they want.
We still don't know what Bob Arum - the promoter of Jose Ramirez - will have to say about WBO's order. Maybe no problem. Maybe a problem. đ§
In the meantime, Josh Taylor, 29, is scheduled to defend his WBA/IBF belts in a few weeks time against an unbeaten Thai challenger in a Frank Warren promotion in London.
Provided that the southpaw Taylor retains his titles (as widely expected), what would RamĂrez handlers do?
Would they quickly comply with the WBO order and begin negotiations to fight Jack Catterall?
Or will they'll rather make the decision to drop the WBO belt and go on to fight Taylor for only three belts? Or something else? đ§
Lets find out what will unfold with Ramirez, Taylor, Catterall, the super lightweight division, and who will fight who. đ Will keep you posted. â
The author Carlos Costa is a veteran boxing reporter living in Cebu. Carlos can be reached on Twitter: @CarlosCostaBox, or whatsapp: 09184538152.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Carlos Costa.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Anthony Joshua Drops Jake Paul 4 Times En Route to a 6th Round Stoppage
By Dong Secuya, Sat, 20 Dec 2025Jean Henri Lhuillier Hails RP Blu Boysâ Golden Triumph at the SEA Games
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 20 Dec 2025ACCRA WEIGH-IN RESULTS: RICHARDS AND AZEEZ PREPARE FOR HISTORIC CLASH
Sat, 20 Dec 2025Two USA Boxing Junior National Champions Invited to Attend Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua Bout Friday in Miami
Sat, 20 Dec 2025Ramon Cardenas Scores One Punch Knockout Over Erik Robles in Main Event of ProBoxTVâs The Contender Series
Fri, 19 Dec 2025Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua: The Jig Is Up
By Chris Carlson, Fri, 19 Dec 2025January 31: Rohan Polanco-Christian Gomez Confirmed as Co-Feature to Xander Zayas-Abass Baraou Title Unification Showdown at Coliseo de Puerto Rico in San Juan
Fri, 19 Dec 2025Jake Paul, Anthony Joshua Tip the Scales Ahead of Netflix Heavyweight Spectacle in Miami
By Dong Secuya, Fri, 19 Dec 2025Suelo rules Thailand chess tourney
By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 19 Dec 2025RICHARDS AND AZEEZ SET FOR HISTORIC SHOWDOWN AS SOUTH LONDON LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS FACE-OFF AT PRESS CONFERENCE IN GHANA
Fri, 19 Dec 2025Brooklynâs undefeated Pryce Taylor Called one of top heavyweight prospects in U.S.
Fri, 19 Dec 2025INDIGO FIGHT NIGHT RESULTS AS GIORGIO VISOLI OVERCOMES TOUGH JOE HOWARTH â AND TIAH-MAI AYTON WINS AGAIN
Thu, 18 Dec 2025Weights From ProBoxTVâs âMerry Fistmasâ at War Memorial Auditorium in Fort Lauderdale, Tomorrow Night at 7 pm ET
Thu, 18 Dec 2025Undefeated Jose Tito Sanchez Returns to Face Jesus Ramirez Rubio in Super Bantamweight Main Event on Friday
Thu, 18 Dec 2025Three boxers aim for finals
By Joaquin Henson, Wed, 17 Dec 2025