Yampier Ramirez credits Havana upbringing for fighting spirit

Cuban BKB featherweight champion Yampier Ramirez says his childhood in Havana shaped his identity as a fighter. The 22-year-old, who currently holds an unbeaten 4-0 record in bare-knuckle competition, says the challenges of growing up in Cuba drove his development.

Ramirez described a life in Havana defined by a lack of electricity and food, noting that the community relied on mutual support despite these hardships. He stated that while the environment was difficult, it is what made him the fighter he is today. He added that he has been fighting since the age of six, supported by his family and his surroundings.

The undefeated fighter aims to represent his home country on the global stage. Ramirez expressed a desire to elevate the Cuban flag and reach the status of the best fighter ever. He intends to achieve these long-held dreams through his training and competition.

Ramirez will test his skills in a super lightweight bout against Tristian Harrison at BKB 58 on August 29. The event takes place at the James L. Knight Center in downtown Miami. Although he now fights out of Hialeah in South Florida, his connection to Cuba remains a central motivation.

His rise in bare-knuckle fighting has been defined by finishing all of his opponents. Following a debut win over Kendell Ward, he secured a first-round TKO against Trey Howard and a second-round stoppage of former champion Brandon Birr. In March, he won the vacant BKB featherweight title by stopping the previously undefeated Ash Williams in the second round.

Beyond bare-knuckle competition, Ramirez maintains a 7-0 professional boxing record. The BKB 58 card in Miami also features heavyweight champion Gustavo Trujillo against Mark O’Neil and the bare-knuckle debut of Olympic gold medalist Yuriorkis Gamboa.