Ramirez warns Josh ahead of Vegas date
JOSE RAMIREZ has told Josh Taylor to polish up the belts as their undisputed super-lightweight clash was finally inked for May 22.
The long-awaited bout will take place in Las Vegas and brings together WBA and IBF champion Taylor and WBC and WBO belt holder Ramirez in a mouthwatering contest between two undefeated pugilists.
And Mexican-American Ramirez, the winner of 26 straight career bouts, is adamant that all four belts will be staying on US soil after the fight with the Scot.
He said: “I’m staying focused and believing in myself like I always have.
“I’m pushing myself to the limit and I truly believe if I go there and give my best there will be no doubt that I will be undisputed world champion.
“He will be on paper the toughest fighter in my career but things change in that ring. I’ve been in tough fights but I’ve never been hurt. Every time I step in a fight there is always more concern for opponents than there is in me.
“The will, determination that I should provide that night will be important for me to take it to another level, show my boxing skills and really try to overwhelm Taylor by showing him something different.”
Ramirez admits he is also driven by the prospect of making history.
He said: “I’d become the first Mexican-American to become undisputed in any weight class in boxing.”
STEVE BRUCE will hold a clear-the-air showdown with his rebellious Newcastle squad today with his job on the line.
The Magpies chief will assemble his disgruntled stars after a day off yesterday – their third of the week – and will address dissent in the ranks.
That came to a head with Scotland star Matt Ritchie’s training ground bust-up.
Bruce has patched up the incident with Ritchie, despite being branded a “coward” by the player, but tension and dissatisfaction remain at the club.
Newcastle face fellow relegation strugglers West Brom on Sunday, with Bruce needing to add to the team’s two wins in 17 games quickly to avoid the intervention of owner Mike Ashley, who has been reluctant to sack him.
Bruce will face questions from the media today for the first time since his squad meltdown and will insist the vast majority of players still support him.
However, with a Geordie fans base largely against Bruce and crowds likely to be back before the end of the season, the 60-yearold’s time at St James’ Park could be limited.