BoxRec

Albert Ramirez and Lerrone Richards will try again on June 4

The last time WBA interim light heavyweight champion Albert Ramirez and Lerrone Richards were set to fight, it was early February and the fight was called off at the 11th-hour due to Ramirez suffering a “medical emergency”.

Now, almost two months later, the pair at last have a rescheduled date: June 4.

“Albert Ramirez holds the interim world title, but Lerrone Richards has the notoriety and reputation of being one of the most avoided boxers in England,” said Eye of the Tiger president Camille Estephan, whose promotional outfit will host Ramirez vs. Richards at the Casino de Montreal. “Both have a lot to gain and a lot to lose, but we are confident that with a victory, Albert Ramirez’s name will be in all discussions for major fights with [Dmitry] Bivol, [Artur] Beterbiev, or [David] Benavidez.”

In August 2025, Ramirez, 22-0 (19 KOs), captured the WBA interim title by stopping Jerome Papellone in the seventh round of a bout held in front of more than 10,000 spectators in Libya. He was then scheduled to defend his title on February 5 against Richards only to find himself hospitalized 24 hours before the fight.

“Being a champion isn’t just about fighting, it’s also about knowing how to handle the moments when you can’t,” said the Venezuelan. “Not being able to step into the ring in February was difficult, but it now allows me to come back even stronger. On June 4, there’s no more waiting. I am the champion, and I’m coming to show it to everyone—Richards first.”

As for Richards, 19-1 (4 KOs), he had no option but to remain patient as he waited for a rescheduled date.

“I am delighted to be back fighting at world level,” said the Brit, ranked at the nine by the WBA. “The cancellation of the fight was unfortunate, but I’m glad it has been rescheduled and looking forward to the encounter. The date has changed, but the goal stays the same. Albert Ramirez is a top opponent, and I know what I bring to the table. It’s two of the best in the world at 175 pounds facing each other. The goal is about becoming interim champion and putting myself in position to become a WBA world champion at 175 pounds.”

ALBERT RAMIREZ-LERRONE RICHARDS RESCHEDULED FOR JUNE 4 IN MONTREAL

Albert Ramirez will face Lerrone Richards at the Montreal Casino on June 4.

The two had been scheduled to face each other on February 5. However, Ramirez fell ill at the 11th hour and the fight was nixed, with Mehmet Unal-Altin Zogaj headlining that evening instead. It proved a postponement and they will now headline an Eye of the Tiger event four months later than originally billed.

Ramirez, The Ring's No. 4-rated light heavyweight, got his big break after impressing during a training camp in Russia alongside former Ring and undisputed 175-pound world champion Artur Beterbiev.

He stunned then-unbeaten Braian Suarez with a first-round knockout in June 2022, scored a seventh-round stoppage of former world title challenger Adam Deines in a homecoming before taking out Jerome Pampellone for the WBA interim title on August 8.

"Being a champion isn't just about fighting, it's also about knowing how to handle the moments when you can't," Ramirez said in a press release.

"Not being able to step into the ring in February was difficult, but it now alllows me to come back even stronger. On June 4, there's no more waiting. I am the champion and I'm coming to show it to everyone—Richards first," he warned.

Meanwhile, Richards (19-1, 4 KOs) won British, Commonwealth and European super middleweight titles before edging a split decision winner beyond Carlos Gongora on the world scene in December 2021.

However, just as the skilled southpaw seemed primed to make his move he withdrew from a proposed Zak Chelli fight in November 2022 through dehydration. Since then, his career has been blighted by inactivity with only four fights since, including a shock sixth-round stoppage defeat by Steed Woodall in June 2024. Now, he enters this opportunity coming off a six-round points win against Cornish journeyman Dylan Courtney in September 2025.

Naturally, the 33-year-old Briton spoke of his excitement given the stakes involved.

"I am delighted to be back fighting at world level. The cancellation was unfortunate, but I'm glad it has been rescheduled. The date has changed bu the goal stays the same. Albert is a top opponent, I know what I bring to the table ... two of the world's best at 175lb facing each other. The goal is about becoming interim champion, putting myself in position to becoming WBA world champion," the southpaw stressed in the press release.

The undercard will see a host of fighters return to action against as yet unknown opponents. They include Ring's No. 7-rated light heavyweight contender Imam Khataev (11-1, 10 KOs) who makes his first start of the year.

Rising welterweight hopeful Christopher Guerrero (16-0, 9 KOs) is tabbed to appear, while Ring ambassador Jhon Orobio (17-0, 15 KOs) will look to build on an impressive fifth-round knockout over Yomar Alamo at 140 pounds.

Lightweight contender Dzmitry Asanau (12-0, 6 KOs) will aim to edge closer to a world title fight, while Avery Martin Duval (15-0-1, 8 KOs) also has 135-pound action on tap after a busy 2025. Rounding out the card, 2024 Olympic bronze medalist Wyatt Sanford (6-0, 2 KOs) is also slated to box at lightweight.

Fight Week!!

Won't be available in UK.

Will move this over to CS section..

I'll be curious to see how Richards, a bit of an enigma himself, handles the highly-rated big puncher in Ramirez.

What channel is it on in the US and Canada??

maninthemiddle wrote: ↑01 Jun 2026, 17:04 What channel is it on in the US and Canada??

Streaming service called Punching Grace in Canada.

Ruthless-RKO wrote: ↑01 Jun 2026, 17:54

maninthemiddle wrote: ↑01 Jun 2026, 17:04 What channel is it on in the US and Canada??

Streaming service called Punching Grace in Canada.

That is such a funny name for a service!

I know, stupid question, but why is a guy who got KO'd by a local fighter, then outpointed a 2-22 opponent, and is ranked 139th by boxrec at light heavy challenging for a belt? Seems like a stretch, even in the corrupt world of boxing

giacomino wrote: ↑02 Jun 2026, 13:26 I know, stupid question, but why is a guy who got KO'd by a local fighter, then outpointed a 2-22 opponent, and is ranked 139th by boxrec at light heavy challenging for a belt? Seems like a stretch, even in the corrupt world of boxing

Not a stupid question and I have no answer to it but I would say that Richards' rating is way too low being a past British, Commonwealth and European titlist. I also expect him to give the 'champ' a tough fight.

Did anyone saw this Albert Ramirez fighting? How good is he ?

Sammy Scaff wrote: ↑Yesterday, 04:45

giacomino wrote: ↑02 Jun 2026, 13:26 I know, stupid question, but why is a guy who got KO'd by a local fighter, then outpointed a 2-22 opponent, and is ranked 139th by boxrec at light heavy challenging for a belt? Seems like a stretch, even in the corrupt world of boxing

Not a stupid question and I have no answer to it but I would say that Richards' rating is way too low being a past British, Commonwealth and European titlist. I also expect him to give the 'champ' a tough fight.

I also believe Richards, who held the IBO world title at SMW four or five years ago, is rated too low by the BoxRec algorithm. He is a frustrating and awkward fighter who may give Ramirez fits all night - or not.

On DAZN now

Cent0089 wrote: ↑Yesterday, 07:06 Did anyone saw this Albert Ramirez fighting? How good is he ?

He can definitely bang with the left hand from a Southpaw stance, has an uncomplicated style, stands up straight and lets his hands go.

People seem to stay hit when he connects, Richards has a style to frustrated Ramirez and could sneak something but my money would be on a convincing stoppage around mid point for Ramirez.

richards is a lot better than the loss to woodhall made him look, but hes also got 0 momentum and has a terrible style to win on the road. ramirez isnt elite material but has mostly looked pretty good when ive seen him, good enough where i suspect he should win this.

Fight Night!!

Weigh-in Results

ALBERT RAMIREZ
El Vigia, Venezuela
22-0, 19 KOs
174.7 lbs

LERRONE RICHARDS
New Malden, UK
19-1, 4 KOs
174.8 lbs

Any idea what time ring walk will be in UK time?