Gilberto Ramirez Sets His Sights on Cruiserweight Domination: Dorticos First, Opetaia Next

Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez has been a standout star in 2024, taking over the cruiserweight division by winning both the WBA and WBO titles. But before he can chase more belts or bigger fights, he has one major task ahead: mandatory challenger Yuniel Dorticos.

Ramirez vs. Dorticos: What’s Next?

Ramirez (47-1, 30 KOs) has had a stellar year, starting with a victory over Arsen Goulamirian in March to claim the WBA title. He followed it up with an even bigger win earlier this month, unifying the belt by defeating Chris Billam-Smith for the WBO title.

However, boxing fans know there’s no avoiding mandatory challengers, and Dorticos (27-2, 25 KOs) has been waiting in the wings. The Cuban power puncher, now based in Miami, has held the WBA’s No. 1 contender spot since late 2022. Dorticos was originally in line to fight Goulamirian, but Goulamirian’s long hiatus and Ramirez’s rise to champion status reshuffled the deck.

Now, it’s Dorticos’ turn to fight for the gold. Despite limited activity in recent years, his knockout power makes him a serious threat. Golden Boy Promotions president Eric Gomez shared their plan: “Zurdo’s taking a well-deserved break, but our first priority is handling the mandatory with Dorticos. After that, we’ll explore a unification fight with Jai Opetaia.”

The Fight Fans Want: Ramirez vs. Opetaia

While Ramirez preps for Dorticos, another mega-fight is brewing. Jai Opetaia, the IBF titleholder and lineal cruiserweight champion, is on a dominant run of his own. With a perfect record (25-0, 20 KOs), Opetaia is scheduled to defend his title on January 8 against Huseyin Cinkara.

If Ramirez and Opetaia both win their upcoming fights, the cruiserweight division could see a high-stakes unification clash. A showdown between these two stars would determine the undisputed king of the division and give boxing fans the fight they’ve been waiting for.

Ramirez’s journey to the top is impressive, but Dorticos and Opetaia are serious tests. Can “Zurdo” rise to the occasion and cement his legacy as the best in the cruiserweight division? The next chapter of his career promises action, drama, and thrilling moments inside the ring.