IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia calls out Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez for unification showdown
IBF and Ring Magazine cruiserweight world champion Jai Opetaia has issued a direct challenge to WBA and WBO titleholder Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez, demanding a historic unification clash to determine the undisputed king of the Cruiserweight division.
Ramirez claimed a unanimous decision victory over Yuniel Dorticos earlier, solidifying his position as a top champion—but Opetaia insists there can be no doubt about who stands alone at the summit of the weight class.
Jai Opetaia declared, “I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again—I’m the best Cruiserweight on the planet. Ramirez put on a good performance against Dorticos, but if he really believes he’s the number one, then there’s only one way to prove it.
“I’m sick of all the excuses and the delays. None of these other champions have been in a hurry to face me, but the time has come. Let’s unify the division once and for all.”
Opetaia, widely regarded as one of the sport’s most talented champions, has repeatedly expressed frustration at the reluctance of rival titleholders to share the ring with him, and has been calling for Ramirez for some time now.
Jai Opetaia added, “I respect what Ramirez has accomplished, but I know I’m on another level. I’ve beaten world-class fighters, I’ve defended my titles, and I’m ready to collect more belts. If Ramirez has the courage to step up, I’ll show the world why I’m the real champion.”
Opetaia’s manager, Michael Francis, echoed his fighter’s sentiments and called on Ramirez’s team to get the deal done, “The time for talk is over. Jai is the true lineal champion and the most dangerous Cruiserweight in the world. We have nothing but respect for Ramirez and what he’s achieved, but this is the fight that boxing needs. I have complete faith that Ramirez will do the right thing and accept this challenge. The fans deserve to see the best against the best.”
Negotiations are expected to begin in the coming weeks, with Opetaia’s team adamant that there is no more compelling fight in the division