WBA and WBO cruiserweight champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez hopes victory over Cuban Yuniel Dorticos will lead to a unification clash with IBF champion Jai Opetaia.
However, a win might lead to a more lucrative option, too.


Ramirez collected both his titles in 2024, first with victory over Arsen Goulamirian for the WBA belt, and then over Chris Billam-Smith to claim the WBO.


Ramirez is now 47-1 (30 KOs), Cuban Dorticos is 27-2 (25 KOs) and they meet Saturday night on the MVP and Golden Boy show topped by the curios clash between Julio Cesar Chavez Jnr and Jake Paul at the Honda Center in Anaheim.


“This is a great opportunity, and I look forward to putting on a great performance for my fans,” Ramirez said. “I think there is a chance of a possible world title fight in the future against Paul. He mentioned that he was ‘ready’ to challenge me during a recent press conference. I do believe he’s a man of his word and that he meant it. “The goal is still the same, becoming undisputed cruiserweight champion of the world. But we can still make the Paul fight next. We’ll see if he’s about the action or if it was just talk. I’m getting close to 50 wins, but my focus has always been on becoming a legend in the sport and collecting belts.” 


The WBC belt is owned by Badou Jack, and while Opetaia and Jack would garner Ramirez handsome paydays, the lure of everything Paul brings could prove too great to resist.

But Paul has his job to do first, too, and needs to come through Chavez Jnr, son of the legendary Julio Cesar Chavez.


“His father is one of my favorite fighters of all-time and he [Chavez Snr] did inspire me as a youth to pursue boxing,” Ramirez added. 

“I think my fans and Chavez’ will support both of us. We are both from Sinaloa, Mexico, and have a lot of pride in our culture and country.”


Ramirez, too, cannot look beyond the heavy-hitting Dorticos. The Cuban can punch, and Ramirez is aware of the threat possessed.


“I have a lot of respect for Cuban fighters,” said Ramirez. “They always possess a lot of skills and are difficult fighters to deal with. Dorticos is a power puncher with good footwork, and I know he can be dangerous at any point of the fight. I’ve trained like I would for any fight, and I’ve never taken an opportunity for granted. I know this fight can change his life and I expect him to bring his best on fight night.”