Los Angeles – John Ramirez has no shortage of ambition, but his path to a world title may depend on decisions beyond his control.

The No. 1 ranked WBA super flyweight fighter is currently in a tough situation as unified champion Jesse Rodriguez weighs a potential weight enhance. If “Bam” vacates the belt, Ramirez will finally be able to get his long-awaited chance at gold.

“I haven’t achieved my goal yet.”

Despite his rise in the rankings, Ramirez is still fueled by unfinished business.

“I have had some unique experiences over the last five years,” Ramirez said. “Deep down, I haven’t achieved my goal yet. I’m isolated and focused on this (winning the world title). I’ve had extra time to travel and train with friends like Regis Prograis in Texas to learn more and stay powerful.”

The Los Angeles native is positioned as one of the top contenders in the division, but the championship picture remains murky and uncertain.

I’m waiting for “Bam” Rodriguez

Rodriguez (23-0, 16 KO) currently holds unified championship titles in the entire league WBA, WBO and WBC in the super flyweight division. However, there is still speculation that he could move up to bantamweight in the face of fresh challenges.

Reports link Rodriguez to a potential fight with Antonio Vargas in June, while leaving the door open to a blockbuster fight with Japanese pound-for-pound star Naoya Inoue.

This uncertainty has created a bottleneck for players like Ramirez.

Be ready despite the uncertainty

Ramirez admits that waiting isn’t basic, but he remains focused on growing and staying vigorous.

“I just have to continue to trust the process in boxing. As a fighter, I don’t like to sit and wait for pieces to move. We have a plan that has options. Regardless of the situation, I will continue to improve and, most importantly, continue to win.”

Ramirez, 29, is in great shape and is determined not to let inactivity stunt his momentum.

Narrow options at the top

Even beyond the WBA title picture, the odds remain complicated.

IBF champion Wilbaldo Garcia Perez currently has a defense scheduled, while other potential opponents are either unavailable or tough to obtain due to rankings and promotion dynamics.

A high-profile fight against future Hall of Famer Roman Gonzalez has been announced, but activity and scheduling concerns make that fight uncertain.

Lessons from his lone defeat

Ramirez’s only professional loss came in 2024 to David Jimenez in a fight for the WBA interim title. He openly admits that it was a learning experience for him.

Since then, he has focused on growth, maturity and preparation for fresh opportunities.

“We will have answers to all these questions in due time.”

While the split resolves itself, Ramirez remains patient and disciplined.

“It’s not an basic task,” Ramirez admitted. “All these questions will be answered in due time. I can’t fight the unknown. I will continue to train strenuous, eat right and surround myself with good people.”

“I am grateful to my promoter, Golden Boy Promotions, for providing me with the right opportunities, and also to my manager (David Shu, 3 Point Management) who has given me the best fights since I turned pro. And of course to my trainer, Julian Chua… I see him every day and he has sacrificed so much for me.”

What’s next for Ramirez?

Ramirez last fought on January 16, earning a decision victory over Byron Rojas and maintaining his position as a top contender.

For now, his future depends on Rodriguez’s next move and how the super flyweight division shapes up in the coming months.

But one thing is clear: when the opportunity arises, “Scrappy” plans to be ready.