IBF cruiserweight titleholder Jai Opetaia says only a unification battle with Gilberto "Zurdo" Ramírez matters after the Mexican boxer added his WBA belt to the WBO strap by out-pointing Yuniel Dorticos. Opetaia, unbeaten since dethroning Mairis Briedis in 2022, stated he is "sick of excuses and delays" while challenging Ramírez to declare who really rules the division.
"I have beaten world-class fighters, defended my title, I'm ready to grab more titles," said the Australian. "If Ramírez has the guts to step up, I'll show him why I'm the number one."
Co-promoter Mick Francis backed the call, saying negotiations could start "in the coming weeks" with Matchroom's Eddie Hearn also involved. Francis labeled Opetaia "the most dangerous cruiserweight in the world" and called for Ramírez to "do the right thing" and face him. The fight would provide a unified champion at 200 lbs, and Francis says is "the fight boxing needs."
Watch Ramirez vs. Dorticos highlights: Watch
Ramírez's name has been flipped as a crossover pairing with Jake Paul - who beat Julio César Chávez Jr. on the same card as Ramírez-Dorticos - but Opetaia's camp thinks the public interest in a true championship fights will win out. Opetaia, 29, has fought his last two matches on home soil, stopping David Nyika and Claudio Squeo, while the 34-year-old Ramírez established his position with wins over Chris Billam-Smith and Dorticos.
Both teams say unification is the only reasonable next step. If the negotiations are successful, the cruiserweight division could have its clear No. 1 before the year is out. Will it happen, what do you think?
Image Credit: Sky Sports