Jose Ramirez has warned Josh Taylor to expect the unexpected when the pair finally collide in Las Vegas next month.
The undefeated rivals are set to slug it out to be crown king of the light welterweight division on May 22, with the super Scot’s WBA and IBF belts on the line along with Ramirez’s WBO and WBC straps.
Prestonpans puncher Taylor is the hot favourite to become the first Scottish fighter to be undisputed champ since his hero Ken Buchanan – and he has insisted he knows his Mexican-American nemesis inside out.
But Ramirez is convinced he can stun Taylor and shock the boxing world.
The 28-year-old said: “I’m not going to be surprised if I beat Taylor the way I will beat Taylor. I’m a strong fighter, I can adjust, I have different styles and abilities.
“I know he has never faced a fighter like myself, a fighter with my conditioning, with my speed, with my range, with my type of power, with my endurance.
“I’m working very hard and I hope he comes prepared, with all honesty I want to face the best Josh Taylor, I don’t want any excuses from both sides.
“I’m not saying it’s impossible for someone to beat me, there is always someone who will outdo you at some point but I’m working very hard for Josh Taylor not to beat that one person.
“I truly believe I have everything required to become undisputed.
“I’m ready for a fight like this and there is no better competition at 140 than me.”
Ramirez has won all of his 26 bouts but Taylor – who as a perfect 17 wins out of 17 – is rated at the bookies favourite for the Vegas showdown.
The Mexican has some impressive names on his CV, including wins against former world champs Maurice Hooker and Victor Postol.
But World Boxing Super Series kingping Taylor has left the bigger mark so far in blowing out several of the divisions big hitters in stunning style, including sensational title wins over previously unbeaten champions such as Regis Prograis and Ivan Baranchyk.
Ramirez is refusing to be intimidated though and has vowed to make the most of his shot at history.
Speaking to Fight Hype, he said: “I’m hoping to surprise a lot of people but all I can do is give it my best. I want to leave everything in that ring.
“If it’s not enough, hats off to Josh Taylor. In fights like this anything can happen.
“I feel confident in myself, I feel fit, I feel strong. I am very inspired by this fight and I am not surprised I got there.
“I don’t feel like they’ve just given me a chance to be here, I’ve earned my way to be in this fight and so has he.
“It’s a good fight and people should enjoy it and I’m ready to become the first Mexican-American undisputed champion of the world.”
