The Boxing Exchange

Ramirez returning to Corpus Christi…as a promoter!

Unified World Cruiserweight Champion Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez returning to Corpus Christi…as a promoter! ‘Gulf Coast Glory’ to feature hometown fighters Julian Delgado & Jerry Belmontes in Co-main events on January 31 in Texas LOS ANGELES (January 5, 2026) – Zurdo Promotions has announced it will co-promote the January 31st “Gulf Coast Glory” card along with Knuckle Up Promotions, in association with Heil Law, just west of Corpus Christi at Richard Borchard Fairgrounds in Robstown, Texas. Zurdo Promotions is led by three-time,two-division World Champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (48-1, 30 KOs), the unified, reigning World Boxing Association (WBA) and World Boxing Organization (WBO) Cruiserweight World titleholder. “Gulf Coast Glory” will mark the third event that Zurdo Promotions and promoted, including its inaugural event on December 18, 2020, in Galveston, TX, which Ramirez headlined, plus another pro show in his hometown of Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico. “Promotion is something I’ve always wanted to be involved in,” Ramirez explained. “Growing up on the streets of Mazatlán, I’ve always believed in being a bridge between my hometown and the United States. There’s no better place to start than Corpus Christi—a city where I defended my world title twice.” Middleweight prospect “King” Julian Delgado (7-1, 3 KOs), fighting out of Corpus Christi, is in the co-main event on the “Gulf Coast Glory” card. As an amateur, Delgado captured top honors at the 2023 National Junior Olympics and Summer Festival Championship. Another hometown favorite, Jerry “The Corpus Christi Kid” Belmontes (21-10, 6 KOs), a former world lightweight title challenger, returns to the ring for the first time since November 18, 2016, in the other co-main event. “Corpus Christi is a true fight town, and I hope to continue building this venture here for a long time,” Ramirez added. “I’m excited to showcase rising talent like hometown favorite Julian Delgado, along with the return of the ‘Corpus Christi Kid,’ Jerry Belmontes.” Former WBA Intercontinental Light Heavyweight Champion Kareem “Supreme” Hackett (12-1, 6 KOs), of Toronto, will make his cruiserweight debut, while undefeated Mongolian featherweight prospect Enkhamadakh Kharkhuu (7-0, 3 KOs) fights for the first time in Texas. Tickets are on sale and can be purchased by scanning the barcode on the event poster or by visiting www.zurdopromotions.com.

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Blood & Hate the “Marvelous” Marvin Untold Story

“Blood and Hate” by Dave Wedge Marvelous Marvin Hagler was one of boxing’s most formidable and respected middleweight champions, known for his granite chin, southpaw stance, and relentless fighting style. Most people know Marvelous Marvin Hagler from his epic battles against Thomas Hearns and John Mugabi, as well as his controversial split-decision loss to Sugar Ray Leonard. However, it is his escape from riot-torn Newark in the late 1960s, the unbreakable bond he formed with the Petronelli brothers, and his 1980 title fight against Britain’s Alan Minter that captures the real story of Hagler. After the controversial draw against Vito Antefuermo in 1979, Hagler went on a dominant run and didn’t lose another bout till another controversial decision, a loss to Sugar Ray Leonard in 1987. Go behind the scenes of the epic battles in “Blood & Hate.” Book available on Amazon Hardcover/Paperback Marvelous Marvin Hagler’s Classic Fights Hagler vs. Thomas “Hitman” Hearns (April 15, 1985). Dubbed “The War,” this three-round blaze of violence is often called the most incredible short fight in boxing history. From the opening bell, both men launched bombs, but it was Hagler who withstood the punishment, opened a cut, and finished Hearns with a devastating right hand. The fight lasted just 8 minutes, but its legend is eternal. Hagler vs. Roberto Durán (November 10, 1983) A chess match compared to “The War,” this bout showed Hagler’s discipline. Durán became the first man to go the complete 15 rounds with him as champion. Marvin won a close but unanimous decision, retaining his title and adding another Hall of Famer to his resume. Hagler vs. John “The Beast” Mugabi (March 10, 1986). This was a brutal war of attrition. Mugabi entered 25–0 with 25 knockouts, but Hagler dragged him into deep waters, showing veteran composure and a relentless pace before stopping him in the 11th. It was Hagler’s final win—and some say his last great performance. Hagler vs. Sugar Ray Leonard (April 6, 1987): The Controversial Capstone. Leonard used movement, speed, and flurries to win a split decision that many still debate. Hagler, disgusted with the politics of boxing, walked away—never to return. Book Launch: Blood and Hate by Dave Wedge in conversation with Rosie Perez – POWERHOUSE Arena BOOK LAUNCH JULY 16th