Former IBF lightweight champion Richard Commey is gearing up for a pivotal WBC super lightweight title eliminator against American Jose Ramirez on March 25, 2023, at the Save Mart Arena in Fresno, California. Commey’s manager, Michael Amoo-Bediako, expressed confidence in the 35-year-old Ghanaian’s readiness to seize this opportunity for a shot at the WBC 140-pound title, currently held by Regis Prograis. “This fight means a lot to him,” Amoo-Bediako told Graphic Sports, emphasizing Commey’s determination to reclaim world champion status.
Commey’s Path to Redemption
Richard Commey (30-4-1, 27 KOs), known for his devastating knockout power, faces a critical test in this eliminator bout. After losing his IBF lightweight title to Teofimo Lopez via a second-round TKO in December 2019, Commey rebounded with a sixth-round knockout of Jackson Marinez in February 2021. However, a unanimous decision loss to Vasyl Lomachenko in December 2021 and a split draw against Jose Pedraza in August 2022 highlighted the challenges of his lightweight tenure. Now, at 140 pounds, “Commey is ready to make every opportunity count,” said Amoo-Bediako, who believes his fighter’s experience and resilience will shine against Ramirez.
The March 25 clash, broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ at 10:00 p.m. ET, offers Commey a chance to earn a mandatory challenge for Prograis’ title. Despite his recent 1-2-1 record in four fights, Commey’s power and determination make him a dangerous opponent, as noted by Bad Left Hook, which described him as a “game puncher.”
Ramirez’s Homecoming Challenge
Jose Ramirez (27-1, 17 KOs), a former WBC and WBO junior welterweight champion, returns to his native Fresno after a year-long layoff. The 30-year-old Olympian, who last fought in March 2022 with a unanimous decision win over Jose Pedraza, turned down a title shot against Prograis due to an unfavorable 65-35 purse split, opting instead for this eliminator. “Ramirez needs an impressive performance,” analysts at Boxing News 24 noted, as his career trajectory has faced scrutiny since a 2021 loss to Josh Taylor for the undisputed 140-pound title.
Ramirez’s aggressive style, marked by high punch volume, will test Commey’s durability, though the Ghanaian’s counter-punching ability could exploit Ramirez’s recklessness, as seen in rounds six through nine of their eventual fight, per Boxing News 24.
Stakes and Context
The WBC eliminator, headlining a Top Rank card, carries significant implications. A win could position Commey for a title shot, a remarkable comeback for the Accra native who vowed to “make Ghana proud,” per Modern Ghana. For Ramirez, a victory reinforces his status as a top contender in a competitive division. The event, attended by 11,201 fans, also featured a minimumweight title unification bout, highlighting its prominence.
In Nigeria, where economic challenges like 52.2% inflation and a naira at ₦450 to the US dollar in January 2023 persist, Commey’s fight resonates as a source of inspiration for West African sports fans. His journey reflects resilience amid adversity, mirroring Ghana’s football struggles post-World Cup 2022.
Looking Ahead
While Commey ultimately suffered an 11th-round TKO loss to Ramirez, as reported by Boxing Scene, his preparation underscored his hunger to reclaim a world title. “This is another opportunity for Commey to get a shot,” Amoo-Bediako said, a sentiment that fueled his training. As Commey and Ramirez prepare for future challenges, this eliminator remains a testament to their ambition in a high-stakes division.
