Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez is aiming high. The Mexican boxer, currently holding the WBA and WBO cruiserweight titles, feels ready to face mandatory challenger Yuniel Dorticos, but he already has IBF world champion Jai Opetaia in his sights—a fighter widely considered the true number one in the division.
In an interview with Ring Magazine, Ramirez stated that the fight against Dorticos will likely take place in the second half of May, although the date and location are yet to be determined. Zurdo would prefer to fight in Los Angeles or in his hometown of Mazatlán, and he acknowledged that his opponent is an experienced boxer who has shared the ring with many champions. However, he made it clear that he feels confident about defeating him.
Looking ahead, the Mexican fighter aims to collect the world titles that are still missing from his collection. His attention is focused on Australia’s Jai Opetaia, the IBF champion, and Sweden’s Badou Jack, the WBC titleholder.
Ramirez has surprised many experts and fans with his triumphant run in the cruiserweight division. The Mexican initially began his professional career as a middleweight before gradually increasing his body mass and moving up through the weight classes until reaching the 200-pound limit.
In this division, Zurdo seems to have found his ideal weight class, as demonstrated by his two dominant and convincing victories over physically strong and aggressive opponents like Arsen Goulamirian and Chris Billam-Smith—both of whom he defeated decisively and unquestionably on points.
Today, most observers would see the Mexican as the underdog in a potential unification bout against Opetaia, but Zurdo has defied expectations more than once before and is determined to continue his winning streak. We’ll see if he can leave the world in shock once again.