Gilberto Ramirez vs. Maxim Vlasov
Lou Catalano, Senior Writer
Prediction: Ramirez
Brandon Glass, Contributing Writer
This fight is a showcase for the heavy handed Gilberto Ramirez. Ramirez has been lurking on the undercards since the Super Six tourney quieted the super middleweight division, once ripe with talent and after a cancelled fight with Paul Williams (due to the motorcycle accident that paralyzed Williams) fell through.
Maxim Vlasov, is a suitable opponent for the Mexican southpaw, with 177 rounds and a singular loss under his trunks. The wiry Russian doesn’t pose much of a threat as a puncher, which proves this stage is set for Ramirez to show his pedigree.
I just hope that the Mexican’s long-term goal of being a star doesn’t have him looking too far beyond Vlasov. That is where Vlasov poses the biggest threat to Ramirez’s vision of stardom.
Prediction: Ramirez
Zuri Lopez, Staff Writer
Gilberto Ramirez gets introduced on HBO with a bout against Maxim Vlasov who on paper seems to have a decent background.
He could give Ramirez some trouble in the early rounds, but that won’t be enough. Ramirez is definitely the stronger of the two and will do what he knows best on Saturday night.
Prediction: Ramirez
Alex McLeish, Staff Writer
Maxim Vlasov’s biggest moment on U.S. television was in 2011 when he knocked down Isaac Chilemba twice on ESPN2 Friday Night Fights (Vlasov went on to lose a unanimous decision).
Gilberto Ramirez on the other hand is a true talent who has four knockout wins in a row.
Expect to see Ramirez outbox Vlasov, frustrate him, and then stop him late. Five in a row.
Prediction: Ramirez
Tony Calcara, Staff Writer
I see this as the toughest opponent that the undefeated Gilberto Ramirez has faced in his 30 fight professional career.
Maxim Vlasov is on an 11-fight win streak. I am hoping, as much as I am expecting, an exciting back-and-forth battle that is appropriately on the Rios-Alvarado 3 undercard. Between the two fighters, they are 60-1 with 39 knockouts. On paper, this has the potential to be wildly entertaining.
I look for Ramirez to be a pinch faster, a hair stronger and ultimately have just enough to beat a game Vlasov.
Prediction: Ramirez
Alex Burgos, Editor-in-Chief
Who is Mexico’s next big star? Canelo Alvarez or Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.? Neither. How about this kid named Gilberto Ramirez. A young, athletic and rangy southpaw who keeps getting better with each fight.
Oh yeah, there is another guy that will be in the ring with, Maxim Vlasov. He’s decent, but he’s being set up to make Ramirez look good on his HBO Boxing debut. Ramirez gets the nod and should impress.
Prediction: Ramirez
