Top Rank on ESPN will deliver another action-packed tripleheader this Saturday at Save Mart Center in Fresno, California.
In the main event, former unified world champion Jose Ramirez (27-1, 17 KOs) takes on former lightweight world champion Richard “RC” Commey (30-4-1, 27 KOs) in a 12-round junior welterweight showdown.
In the co-feature, WBA minimumweight world champion Seniesa Estrada (23-0, 9 KOs) will face WBC champion Tina Rupprecht (12-0-1, 3 KOs) in a 10-round unification fight that will also crown a Ring Magazine queen. In the six-round heavyweight ESPN-televised opener, Antonio “El Gigante” Mireles (6-0, 6 KOs) battles Patrick Mailata (6-1, 3 KOs).
This is what the fighters had to say at Thursday’s press conference.
Jose Ramirez
“It’s always an honour for me to fight here in Fresno in front of the people who saw me grow up as a fighter. I hope to go out there on Saturday to showcase my talent in front of the people who love me the most.”
“I’ve experienced being at the top with people praising me and me being ranked at No. 1. Then, I became unified world champion when I beat Maurice Hooker. Then, all of a sudden after one loss, people started to walk away from that. But I’m just blessed that I have a beautiful family, a beautiful team, and a wonderful promotional company. That’s all I need. So, I found myself, and I realized who I am. I feel like I’m ready to show that lion that we all saw before I started getting distracted by some of the stuff that comes with being at the top. Now it’s time for me to work.”
“We’re focused on Richard Commey. This is a fight that is going to deliver a lot of excitement on Saturday.”
Richard Commey
“I’m always excited to get back in the ring. This is what I do. It’s going to be an interesting fight on Saturday. I want to become a two-time world champion, so I’m coming strong this Saturday.”
“As Ramirez said, he’s got the ‘fire’ back in him. So, I think he wants to get back to the top. Just like me.”
“It’s always good to represent people, especially when those people don’t have a lot of eyes on them. So, to be the focal point and represent them is an amazing feeling.”