Top Rank is really pushing Oscar Valdez & Gilberto Ramirez as the next big Mexican stars, what do you think?
Valdez is in such a competitive division. He has a plethora of fighters to make himself great. Ramirez, though, is in a terrible division. He's a talented fighter, but I don't think he'd be in the top 5 if the division was better. Easily, it's so bad that I can see Ramirez becoming the lineal at SMW by beating DeGale or Jack. Both Jack and DeGale struggled with shot Bute. DeGale lost to Groves and Jack struggled with a lesser version of Groves. The division is that bad right now.
As a huge fan of Lefty Ramirez, I'd like to believe he's the best 168lb fighter, but he too often gives up his height and he can be smothered inside, particularly if his opponent can get his head over Lefty's R shoulder and take away his UC. He does some of the finest body work at the weight though, next to Jack. And he's got the most rock solid of chins and best gas tanks in boxing. That said, he's not invincible to a fighter who can work behind a jab and maintain proper distance in and out. IMO, Zurdo shouldnt take the GGG fight until the risk outwieghs the reward. GGG would beat him from the outside until Zurdo was cut to shreds and stopped. Could permanently make him cut prone, and that's something a 24 y/o with millions of dollars and a dozen top tier fights needs to consider in the immediate future. :think