Eye of the Tiger boxer Albert Ramirez will face world contender Jerome Pampellone in a WBA eliminator on August 8 in Benghazi, Libya. The winner of this bout will earn a golden opportunity: a shot at David Benavidez for the WBA regular light heavyweight title.
Interesting fact: this will be the 22nd professional fight for Ramirez (21-0, 18 KOs), and the eighth different country he’s fought in. Before Libya, the EOTTM fighter has competed in Canada, Venezuela, Monaco, Mexico, France, Argentina, and even Russia. In fact, the Canadian government currently advises against all travel to Libya…
Let it never be said Ramirez isn’t willing to do whatever it takes to reach the top.
But let’s move on. In boxing, the only thing that interests me as much as our local athletes are their opponents. So here’s the man tasked with taking on Ramirez.
Who is Jerome Pampellone?
Jerome Pampellone is a 29-year-old British boxer based in Auckland, New Zealand. His record stands at 19 wins and 2 losses, with 12 wins by KO. It was rugby—and a move for love—that led him to New Zealand. At 19, he discovered that his neighbor was none other than renowned boxing coach Isaac Peach, who would go on to teach him how to throw his first jab.
In everyday life, Pampellone hopes that a major victory will attract enough sponsors for him to live fully off the sport.
Photo: NZ Herald – Jerome Pampellone
In the ring, “The Panther,” as he’s known, is a calm and calculated stylist. He keeps his hands high, stays methodical, analyzes constantly… and hits hard. Very hard. He doesn’t chase brawls but strikes at the right moment, with precision. Several of his opponents—Faris Chevalier, Moses Auimatagi Jr., and veteran Rogelio Medina—were dropped in the very first round.
However, he has suffered two narrow defeats: first to Malik Zinad for the IBF #2 contender spot, and then by split decision to fellow countryman Conor Wallace. Though both losses were controversial, they show he can hold his own against elite fighters.
“We’re happy to fight anyone. The better the opponent, the better Jerome will be. No doubt about it.” – Isaac Peach, Pampellone’s trainer
Photo: X – Jerome Pampellone et Malik Zinad
Why Libya?
The bout is part of the KO Drugs gala, a social initiative by the WBA to promote clean and responsible boxing. Libya, still rebuilding after years of political turmoil, is using major sporting events to reposition itself on the international stage.
“The success of KO Drugs […] marks a powerful moment in boxing’s global expansion—and its continued commitment to making a difference beyond the ropes.” – Gilberto Mendoza, WBA President
The fight will take place at the Martyrs of Benina Stadium in Benghazi, a venue mainly used for international soccer.
A High-Stakes Clash
Albert Ramirez will be facing the toughest opponent of his career—no doubt about it. As for Pampellone, at 29 years old, a third loss in a meaningful bout could seriously slow down his climb toward a world title.
“I just want to get the KO quickly, so I can show how good Albert Ramirez really is… I’m ready to be world champion. I’m ready to go.” – Albert Ramirez, top-3 ranked contender
Ramirez makes no secret of it: he wants David Benavidez. Now, he’s just one win away from achieving that goal.
Photo: Bad Left Hook – David Benavidez
On the Podcast
My Dallas Cowboys are reportedly close to announcing a record-breaking deal with star linebacker Micah Parsons. We’re talking $45 million a year—the highest salary ever for a defensive player in the NFL.
My New York Yankees have been a concern since Aaron Judge’s injury. I hope they target starting pitcher Tarik Skubal in the offseason.
Summerslam will be spread over two nights this year. Wrestling is booming: 90,000 tickets already sold. I’m excited to see Roman Reigns and Jey Uso take on Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker.
Here in Quebec, we’re headed for what could become the biggest indie wrestling match in local history: Thomas Dubois vs. Mathieu St-Jacques, a historic showdown.
