Nursultanov has spent three full years on the shelf. That kind of inactivity invites dismissal, yet it creates a blind spot for the camp. Ramos is preparing for an opponent frozen in time.
“I just got to get him out of the way, get Meiirim out of the way, and focus on [Adames],” Ramos Jr.said to Sean Zittell. “In a perfect world, I fight Adames, Yoenli fights for the WBA, and we fight. Both on the line, WBC, WBA, unify. That’s a great fight, too.”
That roadmap falls apart if Nursultanov plays spoiler. The Kazakh brings a clean 20-0 record with 11 knockouts alongside heavy amateur seasoning. His classic style relies on an upright European posture, an active jab, and a shell defense. Those traits mirror the tactical issues that derailed Ramos against Erickson Lubin. Lubin stayed disciplined, refused to trade in the pocket, and tagged Ramos as he marched forward. Nursultanov fights out of an orthodox stance, but he possesses the tools to punish reckless pressure if Ramos stalks without establishing his range.
The extended layoff complicates preparation. Ramos acknowledged his corner watched minimal film because fresh footage does not exist. Nursultanov used the downtime to quietly recalibrate his habits away from scouting cameras.
Physical readiness brings its own questions. Ramos returns from persistent hand issues that shelved him following his victory over Shane Mosley Jr. No bones broke, and surgeons stayed away, but swelling kept him out of action. Slamming punches against Nursultanov’s elbows and tight gloves will provide an immediate answer about whether those hands are truly healed.
The WBC track already lays out the next step. The winner gets full champion Carlos Adames. Talk of chasing Yoenli Hernandez is pure promotional fantasy right now.
Ramos cannot afford to look past the ring apron. His focus belongs entirely on solving Nursultanov, or he will relive the bitter lessons of the Lubin defeat.
