A super lightweight unification bout takes place on Saturday night when WBO champion Maurice Hooker (26-0-3, 17 KO’s) faces WBC counterpart Jose Ramirez (24-0, 16 KO’s) in Arlington, Texas.
Both fighters have been reasonably active since capturing their belts in respective vacant title fights. In June of last year on away soil at the Manchester Arena, ‘Mighty Mo’ successfully neutralised southpaw Terry Flanagan en route to a deserved split-decision victory while Ramirez resoundingly outpointed Amir Imam three months earlier at Madison Square Garden.
Prior to his title win, Ramirez had obliterated undefeated stablemate Mike Reed in two rounds before defending his crown twice in two points victories over Antonio Orozco and Jose Zepeda.
Hooker meanwhile, got off the canvas to halt the undefeated Alex Saucedo in ten rounds before unanimously outpointing Mikkel LesPierre in March.
WBO Champion Hooker is blessed with freakish physical dimensions coupled with a punching power that is clearly capable of keeping his opponents honest and out of range.
Ramirez on the other hand, will be looking to fulfil his potential with an impressive victory over an opponent who possesses a substantial height and reach advantage, and send out a statement to the Prograis-Taylor winner in the process.
Article by: Navi Singh