Richard Commey sure of world title shot

Ghana’s world title hopeful, Richard Commey, is expected to use Saturday’s bout at the Save Mart Arena in Fresno, California, to define his status at the international stage of the fistic sport when he faces America’s Jose Ramirez in a WBC super lightweight championship eliminator.

Commey, a former IBF lightweight titlist, has his destiny in his hands as he makes his second appearance at 140 pounds following a split draw with Jose Pedraza on his debut at the super lightweight division last August.

The experienced 36-year-old fighter knows the significance of his upcoming fight with Ramirez --- which has the potential of damaging his reputation if he fails to live up to the billing.

In an interview with Graphic Sports from his US base, Commey said he was in the best of shape ahead of the bout and was confident of getting a positive result against Ramirez on Saturday.

Commey (30-4-1, 27 KOs) described the bout with his American opponent as an important one to his career which has the tendency of ending his stay at the top of the division.

Commey hopeful

However, Commey expresses the hope of securing another world title shot with an emphatic win against Ramirez in California.

“Training camp has been very good and I am in a better shape ahead of the fight,” Commey said. “This is a very big fight for me and I can’t wait to give my best on Saturday when the bell sounds.

“Ramirez is a dangerous fighter who must be taken seriously and I’m focused on doing just that. I know I have to give a good account of myself to stay at the top of the division and I’m prepared for just that.

“He is fighting in front of his home crowd but I am confident of securing another world title shot at the end of the fight.”

Commey has just a win in his last four bouts following defeats to Teofimo Lopez and Vasyl Lomachenko, and a split draw with Jose Pedraza. The only win in the last four bouts came against Jackson Ramirez --- an opponent the Ghanaian destroyed in seven rounds.

At age 36, Commey is nearing retirement which makes Saturday’s bout with Ramirez an opportunity to fight for another world championship, if he wins.

Meanwhile, Ramirez (27-1, 17 KOs) comes into the fight as the favourite to emerge victorious having dominated the 140-pound division for a long.

The American former unified WBC and WBO super lightweight titlist is fighting his way back to the top of the division after losing an undisputed championship to undefeated Josh Taylor in May 2021.

Ramirez managed a unanimous decision win over Jose Pedraza following that painful defeat to Taylor and is looking to secure a rematch with the British fighter if he beats Commey on Saturday.