The WBA ordered a mandatory super flyweight title defense, setting up a rematch between champion David “Medallita” Jimenez and contender John “Scrappy” Ramirez.
This directive, issued on 2026-09-18, ignites a 30-day negotiation window for both camps to finalize terms, aiming to resolve a compelling rivalry born from their April 2024 encounter.
WBA Mandates Crucial Super Flyweight Rematch
Ramirez, whose professional record now stands at 17-1 with 9 knockouts, has openly expressed his desire for “redemption” following his sole career loss to Jimenez. The stakes are considerably higher this time, with Jimenez defending the full WBA world title he ascended to in June 2026. Boxing fans are already buzzing about the potential for a December showdown.
The WBA’s ruling effectively fast-tracks a significant bout in the super flyweight division. The negotiation period, which commenced on September 18, is slated to conclude on 2026-10-18. If a deal isn’t struck by then, or if either side pulls out, the WBA Championships Committee holds the power to call for a purse bid, initiating an auction for promotional rights.
This mandate follows a specific pathway within the WBA’s regulatory framework. Jimenez was elevated to WBA Super Flyweight World Champion on June 13, 2026, after Jessie “Bam” Rodriguez vacated the title to move up a weight class. Ramirez, meanwhile, secured his number one mandatory challenger status within the division back in January 2026, marking his second time reaching that pinnacle.
Ramirez’s Unyielding Pursuit of Redemption
For John “Scrappy” Ramirez, this isn’t just another title shot; it’s a deeply personal quest. His only professional defeat came at the hands of David Jimenez in April 2024, a 12-round unanimous decision that saw Jimenez claim the WBA Interim Super Flyweight title. Ramirez, now 30 years old, has not let that loss define his career trajectory.
Since that Brooklyn setback, the South-Central Los Angeles native has fought and won four times, including two victories in 2026. This consistent activity and his return to the WBA’s top contender spot underscore a renewed focus and maturation. “I’ve grown in boxing and my personal life since that fight,” Ramirez stated, emphasizing the personal and professional evolution over the past two and a half years.
His trainer, Julian Chua at Brickhouse Boxing Club, affirms this transformation. Chua believes the initial loss, while painful, ultimately provided “Scrappy” with invaluable experience and confidence.
“He knows he belongs now, and since then I’ve seen him develop tremendously as a fighter,” Chua commented, noting Ramirez is now “more mature, more confident, and much more complete.”
The fighter himself compares his impending rematch to the legendary second fight between Sugar Ray Leonard and Tommy Hearns, a contest where Leonard avenged an earlier defeat.
Ramirez has a professional record of 17 wins, 1 loss, and 0 draws, with 9 of those wins coming by knockout, reflecting a 53% KO rate.
He has a history of securing titles, including the WBA Continental Americas Super Flyweight Title and the NABA Super Flyweight Title, showcasing his ability to compete at an elite level. Rising prospects often navigate a similar path, learning from early career challenges.
David Jimenez: The Champion’s Stance
On the other side of this compelling narrative stands David “Medallita” Jimenez, the 34-year-old WBA Super Flyweight World Champion from Cartago, Costa Rica. His professional ledger boasts 18 wins, 1 loss, and 0 draws, with an impressive 12 knockouts, equating to a 67% KO ratio.
Jimenez earned his world title status on June 13, 2026, a promotion from interim champion following Jessie Rodriguez’s move to a higher weight class.
Jimenez has not seen action since July 20, 2025, which marks over a year of inactivity. During his tenure as interim champion, he defended the belt twice, securing a 12-round decision over Keyvin Lara in Costa Rica and a knockout against Kenburn Torres in Kyrgyzstan. His only professional defeat came against then-defending WBA Flyweight World Champion Artem Dalakian in London.
Before turning professional in 2019, Jimenez forged a formidable amateur career, highlighted by bronze medals at the 2013 World Amateur Championships and the 2015 Pan American Games. His extensive amateur background, with 315 wins from 350 bouts, provides a solid foundation for his disciplined and powerful fighting style. This blend of amateur pedigree and professional success makes him a formidable opponent.
The Stakes and WBA Regulatory Framework
This mandatory defense represents a critical juncture for both fighters and the super flyweight division. For Ramirez, it’s an opportunity to avenge his sole loss and capture his first world title. For Jimenez, it’s a chance to cement his reign and silence doubts stemming from his period of inactivity.
The WBA’s role in ordering this fight is consistent with its mandate to maintain order and ensure active title defenses across all weight classes. Champions are typically required to defend their titles against mandatory challengers every nine to twelve months. Given Jimenez’s elevation on June 13, 2026, his mandatory defense window was set to close on 2026-10-12.
Failure to comply with such directives carries significant penalties, including the potential stripping of a title. This regulatory pressure ensures that top contenders like Ramirez get their deserved shot, preventing champions from holding belts indefinitely without facing the division’s best. WBA title disputes and mandatory challenges are frequent talking points within the boxing community, often shaping careers.
Strategic Adjustments and Training Insights
Julian Chua, John Ramirez’s trainer, believes the fighter who steps into the ring for the rematch will be fundamentally different. He attributes this change not just to physical training but also to Ramirez’s psychological growth after their first encounter.
“He got drawn into Jimenez’s kind of fight, and unfortunately he came up short,” Chua reflected on the first bout. “Next time, you’ll see a fighter who is comfortable staying true to himself and his style.”
Ramirez himself echoes this sentiment, recognizing that his initial approach against Jimenez might have been flawed due to a lack of big-stage experience. He speaks of needing to “redeem myself” and believes he is now “better than him in every way.” This shift suggests a more strategic and disciplined approach for “Scrappy,” who aims to impose his own game plan rather than react to Jimenez’s.
The focus at Brickhouse Boxing Club has been on refining skills and building confidence. With a record of 109 rounds boxed in his professional career, averaging 6.1 rounds per fight, Ramirez has accumulated valuable ring time since his loss. This experience, combined with his trainers’ guidance, is expected to manifest in a more complete performance during the championship bout.
Anticipating a Super Flyweight Showdown
While the contracts haven’t been signed, the boxing world is already anticipating a thrilling encounter. The reported target for the title fight is December, which would cap off a year of resurgence for Ramirez and a pivotal defense for Jimenez. Such a timeline would give both fighters ample preparation, ensuring they are in prime condition for this high-stakes contest.
Ramirez, managed by 3 Point Management (3 PM), is surrounded by a team with a strong stable of fighters, including former WBA & WBO Cruiserweight and WBO Super Middleweight World Champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez. This professional backing provides valuable support and strategic insight as he prepares for the biggest fight of his career.
The confidence from his camp is palpable; they truly believe this is “Scrappy Time.”
The narrative of an undefeated fighter suffering his first loss and then battling back for redemption against the same opponent is a classic in boxing lore. Ramirez embraces this, referencing the legendary rivalry between Sugar Ray Leonard and Tommy Hearns as inspiration.
This rematch offers a compelling story, one that could elevate the winner significantly in the competitive super flyweight division. High-stakes rematches often draw significant attention and can define a fighter’s legacy.
Fans craving intense action will likely tune in for this clash of styles and wills. Ramirez, known for his “relentless, high-energy” approach, will face Jimenez, whose 67% knockout rate and amateur pedigree highlight his power and skill. The stage is set for a memorable night as John “Scrappy” Ramirez seeks to fulfill his dream of becoming a world champion and redeem his only professional defeat.
