Carl Frampton vs Scott Quigg: Hot prospect Julian Ramirez says 'Jackal' needs A-game to beat his Bury pal
Thursday 12 November 2015 12:26, UK
Carl Frampton will need to be at his very best if he is to unify the world super-bantamweight title against Scott Quigg next year.
That's the warning from rising American featherweight Julian Ramirez, a friend and sparring partner of WBA champion Quigg who will look to add Frampton's IBF belt to his collection in Manchester on February 27, 2016.
Unbeaten 22-year-old Ramirez showcased his skills in sparring sessions with Quigg at Freddie Roach's famed Wild Card gym in Los Angeles and was invited over to England to help the Bury fighter prepare for a rematch win over Rendall Munroe in 2012.
Ramirez has fond memories of his time in the north-west, which included a trip to the Quigg family chip shop, and expected his friend to become one of the world champions in the 122lbs division.
Scott Quigg is one of the most dedicated fighters I've met. I haven't seen people work like Scott works. He's a strong fighter and a student of the game.
"He's a good fighter and a good friend," Ramirez told Sky Sports. "The sparring sessions were back and forth. It was intense sparring and it was a really good experience.
"Scott Quigg is one of the most dedicated fighters I've met. I haven't seen people work like Scott works. He's a strong fighter and a student of the game.
"He has everything to be a champion and I knew he would become a champion."
Ramirez plans to be ringside for Quigg's unification clash with Frampton, who endured a difficult trip to America earlier this year and had to climb off the canvas twice during a points win over Alejandro Gonzalez Jr.
Ramirez was impressed with the Belfast fighter's powers of recovery, but believes a similar defensive lapse will be ruthlessly punished by Quigg.
The Californian southpaw added: "I'm happy that the fight is happening because they are both young and undefeated and they are both the top guys.
"I know the guy Frampton fought against, he's not a big puncher, but I think he just caught him in the early rounds.
He can't be having those slip-ups with anybody, but if he does that with Scott then I think that Scott will finish him.
"Frampton was trying too hard for the knockout and just got caught. Besides that, Frampton looked good. I think a lot of fighters will overlook him, but I wouldn't, It was just a slip up, it was nothing major.
"He can't be having those slip-ups with anybody, but if he does that with Scott then I think that Scott will finish him. He has to be on his A-game and I'm pretty sure he will be and Scott has to be on his A-game too. He can't think 'that guy dropped Frampton in the first round, I could drop him too.' He has to prepare for the best Frampton that night.
"I'm pulling for Scott Quigg, but hopefully the fans will win and we'll see a great fight."
Ramirez comes from a rich boxing heritage, following in the footsteps of his late uncle Genaro Hernandez, a former world champion who battled to victory over Ghanaian great Azumah Nelson.
But Ramirez, nicknamed 'El Camaron', wants to make his own name and is working towards a fight against the likes of Welshman Lee Selby, who defended his IBF featherweight belt with a points win over Fernando Montiel in Arizona.
"The weight class is very hot right now at 122lbs and 126lbs," he said. "There are a lot of fights there to be made and a lot of money too, so I'm excited for that."
"I know [Selby] - he was out here and I saw him fight. I've only seen him fight once, but he is a good fighter and he is the champ so he has to be doing something right.
"Whoever has the title, if he gives me a shot, then I will take it."
