MAZATLAN, Mexico - World Boxing Organization (WBO) super middleweight champion Gilberto "Zurdo" Ramirez is working hard for his second title defense, which comes against undefeated American Jesse "Hard Work" Hart.

The match between Ramirez (35-0, 24 knockouts) and Hart (22-0, 18 knockouts) will take place on September 22 in Tuczon, Arizona in the United States And the event will be promoted by Top Rank in association with Zápari Boxing Promotions.

Hart is the mandatory challenger under the WBO. And to face this commitment, more than obligatory, is the full desire of Ramirez, who since becoming world champion has really been pushing to become the best available challengers.

Ramirez is really looking forward to the fight. He received a lot of heat for making what many felt was an easy first defense against an overmatched Max Bursak back in April, as part of a Top Rank Pay-Per-View card from Los Angeles.

Ramirez is the type of opponent that Ramirez has always wanted to face.

"Fighting against opponents of this magnitude is what we've always wanted, giving good fights to the people against the best boxers available. That is the only direction that will lead me to become a solid champion," explained Ramírez.

"Zurdo" and his team have been following Hart's work for several years. Being both promoted by Top Rank, they knew that at some point the fight would occur. And finally on September 22 they are set to collide.

"We knew it was going to happen, we've been asking for it for a long time, but for some reason it did not materialize. He is a young fighter, he has a good record, we are both tall, hungry for victory and I think it will be an explosive fight," Ramiarez said.

In the middle of this month, Ramírez will travel together with his team to the city of Los Angeles where he will begin his camp, after two months of intense workouts that have emphasized work on strength and conditioning.