Tijuana may be where Albert Ramirez cut his teeth, but there is nothing like a home crowd.

Ramirez was often the antagonist in his early professional bouts, vanquishing his Mexican opponents in the city where he recorded eight of his first nine victories. In fact, his first 14 fights were all away from home, against home boxers.

Yet, that wall of noise against him did not deter him. He won them all and would take his winning streak to 18 when he convincingly defeated Artur Ziyatdinov in Montreal earlier this year – perhaps his greatest challenge to date.

Missing from that record is a return to his home nation of Venezuela. He hasn’t boxed out of the South American country since March 2018, when he defeated the Olympic bronze medallist and 2017 World champion from Cuba Erislandy Savon at the El Domo Jose Maria Vargas during that season’s World Series of Boxing.

The year before, he defeated another great Cuban, the two-time Olympic and five-time World champion Julio Cesar la Cruz, in the series too.

He hails from El Vigia, far enough away inland from the bustling capital Caracas, which he must drive through on his way to La Guaira, to El Domo Jose Maria Vargas. Those great amateur victories against la Cruz and Savon were witnessed in this arena, and he is ready to win again – this time professionally.

‘I am happy and proud to be able to box in my country, especially as the main event,’  Ramirez said. ‘It’s a dream I’ve always had: to fight in front of my Venezuelan audience, who will be there in large numbers to support me. I’m ready and eager to step into the ring to put on the best show possible.’

He features at IBA Champions’ Night La Guaira, a card packed with Venezuelan boxers, including other established stars Yoel Finol and Luis Arcon. Infamously, the country has suffered one of the greatest economic depressions in recent history leading to high levels of poverty. Against such adversity, the country has thrived on the sporting stage.

‘The culture of boxing in Venezuela is strong, but it’s not just boxing; sports in general hold a prominent place in Venezuelan society,’ Ramirez added. ‘I grew up with sports, and it’s thanks to them that I’ve been able to build my life. The country promotes access to sports thanks to people like Mr. José Alejandro Terán, the Governor of La Guaira, who has supported me and does a lot for Venezuela – I sincerely want to thank him for what he does for sports and for us, high-level athletes.’

He will be hoping for another victory to make it 19 undefeated professionally, but to do so, he must now embrace that home crowd for the first time. Much like Ramirez upset fans in Mexico, Russia and Argentina; Germany’s Adam Deines will look to spoil the fiesta this time.

Deines will look to add to his 23 victories, having only lost twice and drawn once. Both boxers have a high rate of knockout victories and will be aiming to win the WBA International Light Heavyweight title.

‘Adam Deines is a good boxer, and I hope he’s ready because I am, and I’m hungry for victory,’ Ramirez said. ‘Especially since I have an entire nation behind me, who will be there to support me, and I owe it to them to make them proud.’

That undefeated record comes with a target on Ramirez’s back. While Deines has suffered defeat, he has never had that feeling or near to it in his professional career. Despite this, the pressure has not been felt.

‘I remain undefeated, and I do everything to stay that way,’ said Ramirez. ‘I put all the odds in my favor by training hard, leaving nothing to chance. You know, there’s no secret: only hard work pays off. That’s why, when I step into the ring, I’m very confident, because I know I’ve done everything necessary to win.’

Chants of ‘Vamos Albert’ will ring out around the arena, as one of the nation’s great brawlers looks to give back and inspire the next generation sitting in the stands.

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Media contacts:

Elena Sobol, Head of Communications and PR, International Boxing Association: elena.sobol@iba.sport

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