Jesús Alejandro Ramos Jr. is the Interim WBC Middleweight Champion defending his title against Meiirim Nursultanov on Saturday, September 19. is set for his first title defense against unbeaten mandatory challenger Meiirim Nursultanov on Saturday, September 19, at Pechanga Arena in San Diego, California. The high-stakes co-main event promises a significant clash as both fighters aim to solidify their standing in the competitive middleweight division.
Despite earlier reports about a media workout in his hometown of Casa Grande, Arizona, no official confirmation of such an event has emerged. Ramos Jr. remains a central figure in his community, known for his boxing talent and his family’s deep involvement in local revitalization efforts.
Jesús Ramos Jr. gears up for critical title defense
Ramos Jr., known as “El Mono,” enters the ring with a professional record of 24 wins, one loss, and 19 knockouts. He faces a formidable opponent in Nursultanov, a bout streaming live on DAZN in both the United States and the UK, presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
The 25-year-old southpaw secured the interim WBC Middleweight title on December 6, 2025. He achieved this with a dominant unanimous decision win over Shane Mosley Jr. in San Antonio, Texas, where scorecards read 117-111 twice and 116-112.
His opponent, Kazakhstan’s Meiirim Nursultanov, boasts a pristine 20-0 record, including 11 knockouts. Nursultanov holds the WBC No. 1 contender spot and last fought in November 2023, securing a unanimous decision victory against Julio Alamos.
“I’m super excited to be back in the ring and extra motivated to defend my title for the first time,” Jesús Ramos Jr. said. He acknowledged his opponent’s experience, adding, “He’s a hungry and dangerous fighter, so we’re expecting the best version of him on September 19.”
Nursultanov echoed that sentiment, stating, “This upcoming bout is a moment I’ve been eagerly waiting for. Getting here took patience and relentless effort. Enough talk, I’m fully dialed in and ready to give my all. I’m bringing pure focus, intense drive and a hunger for victory.”
A look at Ramos’s career path and fighting style
Born on March 7, 2001, in Casa Grande, Arizona, Jesús Alejandro Ramos Jr. made his professional debut in May 2018. Standing 5 feet 10 inches tall with a 72-inch reach, his southpaw stance and aggressive style have made him a formidable presence.
With 126 rounds boxed professionally and an impressive 79.17% knockout rate, Ramos Jr. has built a reputation for finishing fights early. His average fight length is approximately five rounds, underscoring his powerful offensive capabilities.
Before claiming his interim title, Ramos Jr. had a strong run of victories at super welterweight. He defeated Guido Emmanuel Schramm by Technical Knockout in Round 7 of 12 in March 2025, and stopped Jeison Rosario via TKO in Round 8 of 10 in February 2025.
Another notable win came against Johan Gonzalez, whom he beat by Technical Knockout in Round 9 of 10 in May 2024. His only career loss came in September 2023, a unanimous decision against Erickson Lubin at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
rising middleweight ranks
Currently, boxing publication The Ring ranks Ramos Jr. as 8th in the middleweight division, with Box.Live mirroring that position. This upcoming defense against Nursultanov is crucial for his continued ascent in the sport’s competitive middleweight landscape.
His family plays a vital role in his career. His father, Jesus Ramos Sr., and his uncle, Abel Ramos, serve as his trainers. His uncle Abel also competes professionally, making boxing a true family affair for the Ramos clan.
Casa Grande roots run deep for ‘El Mono’
Beyond the boxing ring, Jesús Ramos Jr. is deeply invested in his hometown of Casa Grande. He and his family are prominent businessmen, actively contributing to their community’s growth and development.
The Ramos family owns and operates the Ramos Boxing Academy at 423 N Florence Street in Casa Grande. This academy, which opened in 2022, was renovated from a former bank building and trains professional fighters while also offering programs for local youth.
Their commitment to the community extends to historic preservation. Under “Ramos Grandon Enterprises,” the family acquired the historic Paramount Theater, a venue located directly across the street from their boxing gym. They’ve updated its lobby and dance floor, hosting various community events.
The family’s impact is widely recognized in Casa Grande for their dedication to fostering local talent and revitalizing downtown areas. These efforts underscore their deep ties to the city.
hometown pride and future plans
The Ramos family’s ventures include plans for a new coffee shop in Casa Grande, further cementing their presence in the local business scene. Ramos Jr. has often spoken about his desire for a homecoming fight in Arizona, noting he hasn’t competed there since 2019.
This dedication highlights a unique aspect of Ramos Jr.’s career. He’s not just a boxer; he’s an entrepreneur and a community leader, aiming to uplift his hometown while pursuing championship glory.
The challenge from unbeaten Meiirim Nursultanov
Meiirim Nursultanov represents a formidable obstacle for Ramos Jr.’s title aspirations. The unbeaten Kazakh fighter has meticulously climbed the ranks, earning his mandatory challenger status through consistent performances.
His perfect professional record of 20 wins and no losses, alongside his high WBC ranking, speaks volumes about his skill and determination. Nursultanov’s last outing, a unanimous decision victory over Julio Alamos in November 2023, showcased his ability to go the distance and control a fight.
This co-main event promises fireworks, as both fighters are known for their aggressive styles and hunger for victory. Nursultanov’s patience in awaiting his title shot means he’ll be bringing his absolute best on fight night.
Implications for the middleweight division
The September 19 clash between Jesús Ramos Jr. and Meiirim Nursultanov carries significant weight for the interim WBC Middleweight title and the division as a whole. A victory for Ramos Jr. would validate his status as a legitimate contender and interim champion, paving the way for bigger fights.
Should Nursultanov emerge victorious, he would claim his first major title, dramatically altering the middleweight landscape. This would put him in a prime position for unification bouts or challenges against other top-ranked fighters.
The event also features Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz returning to the ring against Nestor Bravo in the main event. This means boxing fans will get a double dose of high-stakes action from San Diego.
As young talents continue to make their mark, this fight is a crucial proving ground for both men. It’s a chance for rising stars like Ramos Jr. and Nursultanov to demonstrate their readiness for the sport’s elite levels.
