NEW YORK — Jose Ramirez and trainer Freddie Roach made an appearance at Mendez Boxing Gym in New York’s Flatiron District on Wednesday, ahead of Ramirez’s first world title fight this Saturday, March 17, against Amir Imam at The Theater at Madison Square Garden.

Ramirez (21-0, 16 knockouts), a 2012 U.S. Olympian from Avenel, Calif., will challenge for the vacant WBC junior welterweight title against Imam (21-1, 18 KOs) in what is expected to be Ramirez’s toughest fight to date.

The fight is promoted by Top Rank and Don King Productions, and will be televised live by ESPN at 8 p.m. Eastern Time.