Jose Ramirez vs. Josh Taylor - May 22, 2021

[margaret thatcher]

i mean boxrec also has wilder at #6 p4p......

taylor was ranked #4 at 140 until recently, behind zepada even, and is still behind prograis and ramirez. he is obviously underrated by the system

[ironbeard]

Whoever wins this one SHOULD be in the top 20, IMO.

What do you mean Beardie?
They both sit just outside the all time boxrec #20 SLW's.
The Prograis glitch has him at #20 for now.

Oops...top 10 P4P. Especially if it is Taylor.

[DrDuke]

I already have Taylor in my top 10 p4p:

1. Canelo
2. Crawford
3. Inoue
4. Fury
5. Usyk
6. Lopez
7. Spence
8. Taylor
9. Lomachenko
10. Estrada

Taylor-Ramirez winner (Taylor) will deserve going to the 5th place.

[margaret thatcher]

I already have Taylor in my top 10 p4p:

1. Canelo
2. Crawford
3. Inoue
4. Fury
5. Usyk
6. Lopez
7. Spence
8. Taylor
9. Lomachenko
10. Estrada

Taylor-Ramirez winner (Taylor) will deserve going to the 5th place.

hating on deontay, the boxrec p4p #6

[ironbeard]

I already have Taylor in my top 10 p4p:

1. Canelo
2. Crawford
3. Inoue
4. Fury
5. Usyk
6. Lopez
7. Spence
8. Taylor
9. Lomachenko
10. Estrada

Taylor-Ramirez winner (Taylor) will deserve going to the 5th place.

Solid list.

[Counter-puncher]

I already have Taylor in my top 10 p4p:

1. Canelo
2. Crawford
3. Inoue
4. Fury
5. Usyk
6. Lopez
7. Spence
8. Taylor
9. Lomachenko
10. Estrada

Taylor-Ramirez winner (Taylor) will deserve going to the 5th place.

Solid list.

i like it

[KiwiRider]

Can’t wait. Josh is my fav fighter.

Just hope Davison doesn’t over-complicate things and make him fight more cautiously.

I think that is something that has helped develop him, especially in the Prograis fight. And caution is fine with a puncher like Ramirez. Its 12 rounds, no hurry.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Fight Week!!

[ironbeard]

This is 50/50 for me.

Taylor has the biggest win on paper, but that was awhile ago now and he has had no real work since then.

Ramirez fought the always tough Postol well within the last year, and his series of Ws may be underrated by some: Reed, Imam, Orozco, Zepeda, Hooker, Postol. Take a good hard look at that list.

None of them are on the level of Prograis though.

I keep wanting to shade this for Taylor but the inactivity stops me, along with how tough and skilled Ramirez appears to be.

[Enlightened-One]

I have no idea who's going to win this fight.

The Brit looked beatable against Prograis, but he's got better names on his resume than Ramirez.

At the moment, I'm slightly favouring Taylor, by the smallest of margins, but I'm not overly-confident about my prediction.

[Ruthless-RKO]

I have no idea who's going to win this fight.

The Brit looked beatable against Prograis, but he's got better names on his resume than Ramirez.

At the moment, I'm slightly favouring Taylor, by the smallest of margins, but I'm not overly-confident about my prediction.

Yeh and just because you have better names on your resume, doesn’t mean you’re gonna win.

[The Gratest]

Can’t wait. Josh is my fav fighter.

Just hope Davison doesn’t over-complicate things and make him fight more cautiously.

I think that is something that has helped develop him, especially in the Prograis fight. And caution is fine with a puncher like Ramirez. Its 12 rounds, no hurry.

I suppose. Just don’t want him to regret not doing enough. Needs to go and rip them belts away from Ramirez.

I'm a bit worried about that as well. For me, what won him the Prograis fight, was when he finally imposed himself on Regis around rounds 8/9/10. That was through aggressive boxing, not standing off and frittering away the rounds and leaving them up to debate. I kinda get the feeling that Taylor loves a bit of a tear up though, and would probably do so if it were at all in doubt heading into the later rounds.

[ironbeard]

I suppose. Just don’t want him to regret not doing enough. Needs to go and rip them belts away from Ramirez.

I'm a bit worried about that as well. For me, what won him the Prograis fight, was when he finally imposed himself on Regis around rounds 8/9/10. That was through aggressive boxing, not standing off and frittering away the rounds and leaving them up to debate. I kinda get the feeling that Taylor loves a bit of a tear up though, and would probably do so if it were at all in doubt heading into the later rounds.

Yep agreed. Davison seems quite cautious. Hope he doesn’t take too much out of Taylor. He’s aiming to win 2 more belts in America, he needs to rip them away from Ramirez.

On paper and video Ramirez appears to be an easier win than Prograis, unless Taylor takes unnecessary risks. Josh is the far flashier object in this show, in every facet. He SHOULD be able to outpoint Jose fairly easily UNLESS he gets caught the way he did v Postol.

Ramirez won’t let him off that hook.

[Enlightened-One]

I have no idea who's going to win this fight.

The Brit looked beatable against Prograis, but he's got better names on his resume than Ramirez.

At the moment, I'm slightly favouring Taylor, by the smallest of margins, but I'm not overly-confident about my prediction.

Yeh and just because you have better names on your resume, doesn’t mean you’re gonna win.

Agreed, I’m sure we also both agree about the quality of a fighters’ recent resume being an invaluable barometer to evaluate ability/experience.

[ironbeard]

Taylor’s recent resume has a 19 month hole in it.

Ramirez fought 12 tough rounds with Postol, never getting into the trouble that Josh had to overcome v the Ukrainian. Of course, Postol steered clear of the fire fights he was more than happy to engage in v Josh.

[bobcatbox]

It’s fight week, boys!

We got ourselves a high class matchup here between two of the best. This is excellent stuff.

Picking Taylor by knockout. I think his power will overcome Ramirez who showed poor defense against his last opponent. This could turn into a showdown though.

[Ruthless-RKO]

The Ring Fight Picks

TOM GRAY: TAYLOR UD
“Taylor established himself as the finest 140-pounder in the world when he defeated Regis Prograis in October 2019. Ramirez is solid and a very good fighter but very good won’t be enough here. Taylor is special, and he’s superior in almost every department. A late stoppage wouldn’t be a surprise, but I think the Mexican-American’s pride and toughness will see him reach the finish line. I see Taylor thoroughly dominating this fight.”

ANSON WAINWRIGHT: TAYLOR UD
“I feel Taylor is a more rounded fighter and will be a step ahead of Ramirez. I feel Taylor can box off the backfoot and also be aggressive when he needs to be. Ramirez tends to just be the aggressor. I think a firefight suits Ramirez, and then you can flip a coin. I just feel Taylor will pick his spots when to box and when to stand and trade. The Scottish fighter will win a comfortable unanimous decision, something like 8-4 in rounds. I wouldn’t rule out a late stoppage for him either.”

LEE GROVES: RAMIREZ PTS
“As is the case in most fights, the outcome will be determined by which man forces his pace as well as his style of fighting. If Ramirez forces a slugging match, his superior work rate will help his cause but if Taylor slows things down and uses his lefty stance to stymie Ramirez’s jab, he will take a big step toward victory. I see Taylor doing well in the early rounds with Ramirez picking things up later. It will be an exciting, nip-and-tuck affair and while the cards may very well be divided, I believe Ramirez’s aggression and output will swing enough rounds his way.”

MICHAEL WOODS: RAMIREZ PTS
“I believe there is an 85-percent chance that we get a whole bunch of give and take, ebb and flow. I sense the timing being right for a truly fan-friendly structured rumble. Two points maybe will separate these two end of night. Ramirez, a tad grittier, will be the busier man later. Will, not power or stamina, will prove the difference maker. By a slight margin, after a couple minor classic rounds, Jose has his hand raised.”

RON BORGES: RAMIREZ PTS
“Although Josh Taylor is a heavy favorite to defeat Jose Ramirez, hold on a minute. Heavy favorite based on what? They both went the distance with Postol, and while some point out two of the undefeated Ramirez’s last three title defenses were won by majority decision, his critics forget to add that not a single judge voted against him. Four had him winning and two had draws. Ramirez is well trained by Robert Garcia, a proud guy with a shot to make history among Mexican fighters with a win. He is durable, can box and has the skills to outpoint and outhustle Taylor, which he will do by winning a tight decision.”

MARTY MULCAHEY: TAYLOR MD
“I envision a close fight, with an intangible like Taylor having boxed the better level of opposition and superior timing making the difference. While Ramirez owns size, reach, and age advantages, I don’t see him overcoming Taylor’s versatility and jab which pushes foes in directions Taylor dictates. In my opinion Ramirez has overachieved to date, so it is hard to bet against his determined mindset. Taylor’s eye-catching combinations and greater accuracy should give him the slightest of nods from the judges. I will go with a majority decision for Taylor via 115-113 against 114-114 range.”

MICHAEL MONTERO: TAYLOR PTS
“This is the very definition of a ‘pick em’ fight; I can honestly see it going either way. Inactivity could play a factor. Both men fought once in 2020, but Ramirez fough 12 hard rounds with Viktor Postol, while Taylor needed less than a round to get rid of his IBF mandatory opponent. In the end, I just think Taylor has an extra degree that will help him edge this one out. Gimme Taylor points, 115-113.”

NORM FRAUENHEIM: TAYLOR UD
“Two fighters, both in their prime, in a fight for all of the pieces of the junior welterweight title. What’s not to like? The safest pick is Fight of the Year. In the end however, the edge goes to Taylor, who has more in his skillset than Jose Ramirez has. Ramirez’ toughness, his dogged durability, means he’ll be there for 12 rounds. But it also means he’ll be there as a target for Taylor’s precise, often explosive punches until the punishing end of a decisive victory for the Scot.”

BOXING INSIDERS

STEVE FARHOOD (TV ANALYST): TAYLOR PTS
“Great matchup. Both of these two are proven at the highest level, and this figures to be worthy of a fight that will crown a four-belt champion. Once again, Ramirez’s style will require constant aggression. My guess is that Taylor has ample opportunities to counter, score, and win rounds. Taylor by close decision in an action fight.”

DUKE MCKENZIE (FORMER THREE-DIVISION TITLEHOLDER/TV ANALYST): RAMIREZ MD
“It’s not often we see a unified match up where both champions are at the top of their game. Both Taylor and Ramirez are on a mission to be No. 1. Taylor is arguably the better boxer, very tidy, fit, strong and won’t back up in this fight. We know both are combative and pugnacious. I feel Ramirez is better at in-fighting, as neither boxer will take a backwards step. I lean towards Ramirez, who has a relentless mean streak in his work. He hooks savagely to head and body and is a good finisher. Ramirez wins a majority decision.”

RAUL MARQUEZ (FORMER WORLD CHAMPION/COMMENTATOR): TAYLOR PTS
“I feel Taylor has more dimensions to his game and is crispier with his shots. Ramirez is a warrior will be coming forward all night long. Taylor can’t be drawn into a war. I’m going with Taylor by decision.”

VIKTOR POSTOL (FORMER WBC JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHT TITLEHOLDER): TAYLOR PTS
“If Ramirez can’t catch Taylor with good punch, I’d go with Taylor. Taylor can box different ways; he is more versatile and can adapt to many styles. I think Taylor wins it on points.”

ALEX STEEDMAN (COMMENTATOR): TAYLOR PTS
“Ramirez always brings it and Taylor is a class act. You have to feel that Ramirez will require more than he has shown so far to win but he will ask questions. Can the pace, intensity and reach of Ramirez cause enough problems? I don’t think so but a close fight could unfold. Ultimately, I see Taylor’s technique and variety being the difference on the cards.”

KATHY DUVA (PROMOTER, MAIN EVENTS): RAMIREZ PTS
“This is truly a pick ’em fight, and I am interested to see it. In the end, though, I have to give the edge to Ramirez. I don’t think that Taylor is likely to stop him, so I expect that Ramirez is more likely to win a decision given his hometown advantage.”

JOLENE MIZZONE (MATCHMAKER, MAIN EVENTS): TAYLOR UD
“I am going to go with Taylor on this one, based off of his southpaw stance. The last time Ramirez fought a southpaw was against Zepeda, which was a close fight. I am giving the edge to Taylor in this one by unanimous decision.”

ROBERT DIAZ (MATCHMAKER, GOLDEN BOY): RAMIREZ UD
“Very even and very close fight. I see both having their moments and rounds going back and forth. I usually favor the boxer over the more aggressive fighter, but in this case I must favor the one that has the more experience and the one that has had the tougher fights. I see a unanimous decision for Jose Ramirez in a very close and entertaining fight.”

REGIS PROGRAIS (FORMER JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHT TITLEHOLDER): TAYLOR SD
“I think Taylor should be able to outbox him, keep the southpaw jab in his face all night, then he can hit him with some big shots. Ramirez has had trouble with boxers. He wants to get on the inside, bang the body, but if Josh tries to keep him on the outside, he should win. I think it will definitely be a close fight. I see a split decision for Taylor.”

CAMERON DUNKIN (PROMOTER, D&D BOXING): RAMIREZ TKO
“I like Ramirez, I think he has a shot at stopping Taylor late. I think Ramirez is going to be tremendous shape, he’s not going to stop punching, he’s going to push Taylor. It’s going to be a firefight and I think Ramirez stops him late.”

BRANDUN LEE (JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHT CONTENDER): TAYLOR PTS
“It’s going to be a good fight. Josh Taylor by decision. He’s faster, a southpaw, better skills, light on his feet, and the better boxer overall.”

RICKY HATTON (FORMER WORLD CHAMPION/ TRAINER): TAYLOR PTS
“A good fight, two unbeaten champions, neither knows what it’s like to lose and an unbeaten fighter is a dangerous fighter. It’s a big unification and should be a cracker. It’s hard to go against Josh Taylor. He’s in form and at the top of his game, having fought at the higher level, so I’m going with Josh on points.”

Final Tally: Taylor 13-7

[ironbeard]

I am so fired up for this card that I may have to skydive in for it.

If you can’t get fired up for this fight, try Selena; The Series.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Same Three Judges From Ramirez-Postol Fight Assigned To Bout

Nevada State Athletic Commission has assigned judges Tim Cheatham, Dave Moretti and Steve Weisfeld.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Fight Week Schedule

THURSDAY, May 20, 2021

Main Event Press Conference
3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT/8 p.m. UK
Streaming LIVE on Top Rank's YouTube Channel and the ESPN App.

Max on Boxing: Ramirez vs. Taylor Preview Special
8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT
ESPN
ESPN’s boxing series, hosted by Max Kellerman, will include interviews with Taylor and Ramirez.

State of Boxing: Ramirez vs. Taylor Preview Special
9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT
ESPN
An inside look at the undisputed junior welterweight title showdown with ESPN's panel of boxing experts.

FRIDAY, May 21, 2021

Official Weigh-In
4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT/9 p.m. UK
Streaming LIVE on Top Rank's YouTube Channel and the ESPN App.

SATURDAY, May 22, 2021

FIGHT NIGHT (The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas)

Undercard Broadcast
4:45 p.m. ET/1:45 p.m. PT
Streaming LIVE and exclusively on ESPN+

Main Event Broadcast
8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT
LIVE on ESPN & ESPN Deportes (Simulcast on ESPN+)

[Ruthless-RKO]

Expert Picks

Al Bernstein, boxing analysts and member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame

How Ramirez wins: For him, it's about putting on pressure and working the body and breaking down Taylor. That's what he does when he's at his best. He'll suffer from bad moments while doing it. Viktor Postol and other opponents have hit him. So he'll probably get hit. But can he get on the inside, work to the body, work to the head and wear Taylor down? I think that's where Ramirez wants to take this fight -- that's always where he wants to take a fight. So, for him that is the game plan. Will he be able to do that?

How Taylor wins: I think he's the favorite for one simple reason and that is that Ramirez has shown enough defensive liabilities in some recent fights -- even in fights he won -- that make people nervous. And they think with his attacking style that Taylor will be able to potshot him. That's probably the only differentiating point. Otherwise, it's a pretty pick 'em fight.

Ramirez only knows one way, and that's forward. Taylor is slightly more multi-dimensional in that he can battle on the inside, but he's also a little more of a boxer-puncher. He presumably has another path to victory other than getting on the inside and rumbling with Ramirez. I think it's going to be interesting to see how Taylor approaches it. Will he engage Ramirez on the inside?

X-factor: The possibility that Taylor might decide to really box. It's possible that they might have worked a game plan where they say, we think we can use the jab and stand at distance and throw combinations and give some movement and potshot him. And maybe he thinks "I don't need to get on the inside much at all." That's not super likely, but it's possible he might approach the fight this way. Could Taylor do it? Could he keep Ramirez off that way? And how effective would Taylor be if he did that? We'll see.

Prediction: I would have to say Taylor wins. But it would not be a pick with a lot of assurance. I think either guy can win this fight and that's what makes it an appealing match. I'm surprised Taylor is as high of a favorite as he is. I don't think Ramirez is to be underestimated. He's a force in the ring. He brings a lot to deal with. The pressure he puts on is pretty intense.
-------------------------

Regis Prograis, former junior welterweight world titlist, lost to Taylor in the WBSS final

How Ramirez wins: I think he would use his double and triple jab to get in on Josh Taylor and then work the body. I'm pretty sure that's what the game plan is. But at the same time, even with me saying that, Taylor's trainer knows the same thing. It'll be interesting to see what type of game plan they're going to roll out. Most of the people would think that Ramirez's chance is to get in, work the body.

How Taylor wins: Taylor, I think he can make it easy on himself if he uses his feet and keeps Ramirez outside. Keep that southpaw jab in Ramirez's face, and hit him with big shots.

X-factor: I've been in there with Josh Taylor. I still think it was a close fight, but I think I won that fight. What he did with me was a very, very smart thing, which was making me fight on the inside. Me and him just started fighting. I just kind of wanted to hurt him and I wasn't smart. We fought inside a lot and that was his best chance. What he did with me a lot is he leaned on me, and then when I tried to move he hit me. That was his game plan. As far as Ramirez, I don't think he's gonna be able to pull that same thing. I'm pretty sure they watched the footage with me and Ramirez is going to avoid the same mistake that I did.

Prediction: I think Taylor is going to win. For me, Ramirez is a strong and durable champion, but he can be outboxed. Especially by a southpaw. He had trouble with Jose Zepeda, who was beating him and then kind of gassed out. The fight with Viktor Postol, it was a real close fight. A lot of people actually had Postol winning. Postol, he's long, he's tall, he's rangy. He gets the jab in your face. I think Taylor can do the same thing.

With all that being said, it still is a huge fight for both of them. Basically it's a lot for both of them on the line. You can say all these things as far as strategy and breakdown of the styles, but at the end of the day I think it's going to come down to the will and who really, really wants it the most. But like I said, stylistically, I think Taylor has the edge.
-------------------------

Raul Marquez, former U.S. Olympian and junior middleweight champions, and Showtime boxing analyst

How Ramirez wins: Ramirez only fights one way. I don't think he has any dimensions like Taylor does. Ramirez is a warrior, he attacks and attacks and breaks you down, and that's what he has to do against Taylor -- put pressure on him and get him out of his comfort zone. Don't allow Taylor to think, because Taylor can see the fight well and he will set traps. He attacks from angles, there is a lot of awkwardness to his attack. Ramirez has to bring the fight, stay busy and keep Taylor busy, too, so he can get Taylor to think too much out there. Break him down, that's the way Ramirez is going to win.

How Taylor wins: Like I said, he has more dimensions to his game, he's a very good boxer. When he fought Prograis, not only could he come forward and attack, but also could also come from different angles. His punches are crisp, and he puts very good combinations together. Taylor needs to change it up, depending on how Ramirez takes his shots. But Taylor needs to attack from the angles, use lateral movements, throw combinations from both sides, and when he sees that it's safe to push Ramirez back or go toe-to-toe with him, go for it. Taylor has the power to hurt Ramirez, and he has very good defense, so he can take some risks.

X-factor: I think they are both in their prime, but Ramirez has been in some wars -- he has more wear and tear than Taylor does, because of his fighting style. Taylor has taken care of his body better. I'm not saying Ramirez is damaged goods -- of course not, he's undefeated, they are both undefeated, they both have titles and want to win. But what I'm saying is that Ramirez has suffered more damage to his body because of the style he has.

Prediction: I'm gonna pick Taylor in a close fight. They are both undefeated and I know that Ramirez is a warrior and comes to fight and he's in great shape, but I think Taylor is the fresher of the two, and has more dimensions to his game. I'm gonna say Taylor wins by decision.
-------------------------

Francisco "Chia" Santana, former welterweight contender

How Ramirez wins: First of all, Ramirez is the best fighter in the world at 140 pounds, so he just has to be himself. He's aggressive, he comes forward a lot in his fights and he has to let his hands go as he always does. But more importantly, he has to dig to the body. He does that very well, so if he can get to Taylor's body early, I think he can get an early stoppage.

How Taylor wins: He has to box, keep Ramirez at bay with the jab. He uses his jab very well, so he should use it and not let Ramirez dictate the pace or get off to a fast start. And he needs to stay off the ropes and keep Ramirez from landing his body punches.

X-factor: Ramirez's body shots. That's his bread and butter. He does a great job going to the body. You can't count Taylor out, he won the World Boxing Super Series and what he did there was big. But Ramirez keeps proving himself, time after time. He was supposed to have a tough fight against Maurice Hooker and he went out there and took him out, real quick. I think Ramirez's aggressiveness and his body work may be the key to his victory.

Prediction: I see Ramirez winning in a late stoppage, maybe the eighth or ninth round.
-------------------------

Aureliano Sosa, trainer to Jarrell "Big Baby" Miller, Peter Quillin, Chris Colbert, Nikita Ababiy

How Ramirez wins: This is one of the fights I've been looking forward to. This is a 50-50 fight for me. Ramirez puts a lot of pressure, throws a lot of punches, has great conditioning, has shown he has a great chin, so he just needs to bulldoze Taylor, pressure him, fight a little dirty, throw punches everywhere.

How Taylor wins: I like Taylor. He's crafty with his movements and he can punch off his movements. He really surprised me when he fought Ivan Baranchyk. When I saw that fight, I said, "Oh my God! I thought Ivan was going to destroy Taylor." But then I saw the fight, Taylor was standing his ground and Baranchyk wasn't moving him much with his punches. Taylor was seeing the punches coming, slipping under them, picking apart Baranchyk.

X-factor: I think it's about how well Taylor can take Ramirez's punches. If Taylor can't adapt to Ramirez's attack the same way he adapted to Baranchyk's punches, Ramirez is going to win a decision. If Taylor adapts, picks his moments to go toe-to-toe with Ramirez, picks his shots and stays in front of Ramirez, and sees his punches coming and throws three or four punch-combinations, it's Taylor's fight.

Prediction: Like I said, it's a 50-50 fight, but I'm leaning a little more towards Taylor, because I like his movements. What he did against Baranchyk surprised me and made me a Taylor fan. But you have to respect Ramirez, he's a great fighter. I'm gonna go with Taylor by 12-round decision.
-------------------------

BJ Flores, former cruiserweight and heavyweight title contender, current boxing trainer of Jake Paul

How Ramirez wins: Ramirez has got to make it a phone-booth type of fight. He's got to get close, he's got to get right on his chest and not give Taylor any room to breathe. Easier said than done. A guy like Taylor is a master of distance and punch selection. He knows which punch to shoot at the right time. Ramirez has to cut the ring off, he's got to use head movement, he's got to use feints. He's got to put it in Taylor's mind right from the first round that's the kind of fight is going to be. That's the only way Ramirez has a shot. He can't win on the outside.

How Taylor wins: Taylor can punch. He's got single-punch power, probably harder than Ramirez. Ramirez is more of a volume puncher. But Ramirez is a very strong fighter on the inside. He's very tough. I feel like Taylor is better at distance. He can get inside at times. He's got sharp punches. I don't feel like Ramirez is gonna be able to walk through his punches by any means. I think Taylor is going to mix it up -- a little bit inside, a little outside. I think he's gong to be too sharp and control the action.

X-factor: It's tough when you fight overseas. I remember when I fought Danny Green in Australia, I remember when I fought Tony Bellew [in England]. You go overseas and it's not the same. It's tough. How does Taylor handle it? How long has he been in the USA? Has he been here the proper 15 to 20 days to get acclimated? Fighting overseas, fighting somewhere he's not comfortable, eating food he's not used to eating, on a time zone he's not used to -- that can be a major X-factor.

Prediction: Taylor is the better boxer, he has the better résumé, he's been in there with better fighters, he's beaten better guys. If you look at both guys' fights with Viktor Postol, Taylor had his way with him, ran a clinic for 12 rounds. Ramirez won a majority decision against him. Taylor is the much sharper boxer. He's got Adam Booth, who is an excellent, excellent trainer in his corner. He's trained a lot of world champions and I think Adam is one of the best boxing minds in the sport, I really do. There's a lot to learn from a guy like that.

I'm going to go with Taylor. I think it's going to be a good fight. Ramirez can definitely make it difficult if he gets on the inside. He's definitely tough. But I feel like Taylor is the sharper puncher and has the higher boxing IQ. Ramirez is going to have a perfect night to win the fight. I think Taylor is going to use his smarts to offset some of the stuff Ramirez is trying to do.
-------------------------

Doug Kezirian, ESPN gambling analyst

Boxing fans get a treat with this showdown for an undisputed championship in Las Vegas. There's a lot to like with Taylor. He has demonstrated in recent fights that he has the ability to initiate the action, and I expect him to selectively do just that against Ramirez. The southpaw ultimately will have too much power as he head-hunts with his left hook and stops this fight before the final bell. -260 for a money line bet on Taylor is fine, but I prefer +350 knockout or DQ.

[ironbeard]

My head insists Taylor. My gut begs to differ.

Let’s get it on!!!

[Ruthless-RKO]

[victor-romeo]

Love to see either of these guys against Teofimo Lopez, or Mikey Garcia..

[ironbeard]

Love to see either of these guys against Teofimo Lopez, or Mikey Garcia..

Make it a 4 man tourney.