ESPN Fight Preview

Jose Ramirez vs. Amir Imam

New York -- In a battle of young fighters with only one loss between them, Jose Ramirez (21-0, 16 KO) will take on Amir Imam (21-1, 18 KO) on March 17 on ESPN.  Up for grabs that night will be a vacant WBC junior welterweight title, a title Imam thought he'd be fighting for a few years ago.

Ramirez splitting the guard with a jab

Despite being undefeated, the 25-year-old Ramirez is still somewhat of an unknown commodity.  The orthodox fighter hasn't faced the stiffest of competition, but he has handled every opponent with ease, with every fight ending in a stoppage or unanimous decision.

Ramirez likes to come forward behind a measuring jab and really loads up on his right hand.  His best punch is his left hook and he really bangs that punch to the body, especially if he has an opponent hurt.  Because of his come forward style he is there to be hit and he often squares up too much without moving his head when he's on the attack which could give Imam plenty of openings.

Imam landing a big right hand

As recently as 2015 Imam was one of the highest regarded contenders in the sport.  That year would end in disaster though when Imam was stopped in the eighth round by the lesser regarded Adrian Granados.  That loss which was supposed to be a stay busy fight for Imam, put him out of the running for a shot at Viktor Postol's WBC title, the title Imam could finally capture on Saturday.  

Since that loss Imam has gone 3-0, stopping all three opponents.  However, those opponents were journeymen and Ramirez represents a big step up from them.  Out of the orthodox stance Imam has shown a busy jab and while he has power in his left hook, his best punch is his heavy right hand.  Imam's chin is still a question mark though and Ramirez should test its durability on Saturday.

The argument can be made that Imam will be Ramirez's toughest test and vice versa.  It will be the first world title fight for both men and the action should be sustained.  While Imam is definitely the slicker and quicker of the two he is also the one who has been broken down in the ring, something Ramirez does well.  If Ramirez can attack the body early he could take away Imam's legs and break him down.  However, Imam could use his reach advantage and quicker hands to keep Ramirez on the end of his punches where he can look to unload a big right hand.

PREDICTION: Amir Imam will give a good account of himself and may even find himself ahead on the cards for the first half of the fight.  Jose Ramirez will be the more confident fighter though and his sustained attack will pay off late when he stops Imam in the ninth round.