John Scrappy Ramirez calls on Kazuto Ioka to agree fight

Again on October twenty first, undefeated tremendous flyweight John Scrappy Ramirez, after ready 10-plus months to struggle in a World Boxing Affiliation (WBA) title eliminator, the delight of South Central Los Angeles, destroyed his Panamanian opponent, Ronal Batista (15-3, 9 KOs).

He dropped him twice to shut the DAZN present within the fourth and remaining spherical.

The 27-year-old Ramirez, who was ranked No. 2 (No. 1 was unrated) and matched in opposition to No. 7 Batista, mechanically grew to become the No. 1-ranked, necessary challenger for WBA Tremendous Flyweight World Champion Kazuto Ioka (30-2-1, 15 KOs), of Japan, who final June dethroned defending world champion Joshua Franco (116-112 twice and 115-113) in a rematch of their earlier draw.

“Nothing is promised on this enterprise, so I’m not sitting round ready,” Ramirez mentioned. “I proceed working laborious as a result of I consider in me and my crew.

“If this struggle (vs. Ioka) isn’t occurring instantly, my crew will get me in a great struggle. I’ve received to maneuver on.

“I’ll simply beat the following man and I’ll nonetheless be the necessary contender. I’ll be even higher studying, getting extra expertise and I can redefine my talent set. And he’s (Ioka) getting older and I’m nonetheless younger.”

An electrifying fighter of Belizean and Honduran descent, rising star Ramirez has patiently waited to find out about his impending world title shot. Ioka has till one 12 months after he gained the title (June 24, 2023) to make a compulsory protection.

However experiences unfold rapidly after Ioka’s his final struggle that his subsequent struggle could be in opposition to lineal and World Boxing Council (WBC) Tremendous Flyweight World Champion Juan Francisco Estrada (44-3, 28 KOs) in a title unification match on New Yr’s Eve in Ioka’s hometown of Tokyo.

Negotiations stalled for the Ioka-Estrada unification showdown and collapsed. It was not too long ago introduced that Ioka will struggle on New Yr’s Eve in Japan for the twelfth time, not in opposition to Estrada, however versus Josber Perez (20-3, 18 KOs), of Venezuela, the WBA’s No. 8 world rated tremendous flyweight.

In the meantime, “Scrappy” Ramirez has stayed in prime situation coaching with and sparring Regis Prograis (29-2, 24 KOs) at Brickhouse Boxing Membership in N. Hollywood, California.

Prograis was making ready for his title protection final Saturday in opposition to Devin Haney (31-0, 15 KOs) in San Francisco. Since his final struggle “Scrappy” has additionally cracked The Ring journal’s unbiased scores at No. 10.

“I labored with Regis who was preparing for his struggle with Haney,” Ramirez famous. “That’s what I’ve been doing, going to completely different coaching camps, after I’m free.

“I get extra information working at completely different coaching camps, studying different methods to coach, working in numerous cultures. No holidays for me.

“I’ll go on to the following camp with a unique fighter who has a giant struggle. Doing what I do retains it enjoyable for me and I continue to learn.”

It’s Scrapp Time! Ramirez is prepared, keen, and in a position to struggle Ioka anytime the reigning champion desires, even in Tokyo, if the provided deal is smart.

Ioka has gained seven of his final eight fights (7-0-1) since his final loss on December 31, 2018 in Macau, when he misplaced a 12-round cut up choice to WBO Tremendous Flyweight World Champion Donnie Nietes (41-1-5), which Ioka avenged of their July 13, 2022 rematch, during which Toka took a 12-round unanimous choice in Tokyo to be topped WBO world champion.

“I’ll struggle him in Japan, on the moon…..wherever he desires,” Ramirez added. “I AM READY NOW, it’s Scrapp Time! My time will come.”

Along with defeating Franco and Nietes, Ioka has defeated Francisco Rodriguez, Jr. (34-4-1) and McWilliams Arroyo (17-3), respectively, by means of 12 and 10-round unanimous choices, in addition to knocking out present No. 2 WBA contender Kosei Tanaka (15-0) and Aston Palicte (25-2-1).

Having fought exterior of his native Japan solely 3 times — Philippines, China and in Inglewood, California – it’s a secure wager that Ioka will insist on defending his title in his native Japan.