Unified Cruiserweight king, Ramirez out-hustles Dorticos, unanimous points.

 

Unified WBA/WBO cruiserweight champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez 48-1 (30 KOs) retained his world titles with a twelve round unanimous decision over former WBA champion, Yuniel Dorticos 27-3 (25 KOs) A slow start saw Dorticos backing Zurdo up with clever combinations, making the champion appear pedestrian and ordinary. Around the half way mark Ramirez started to display the type of class that justifies his spot at the top of the division, landing accurate counter punches and forcing the Cuban to drop his workrate. Ramirez seemed to grit his teeth and put his foot on the gas throughout the last 4 rounds to secure a solid defence. 

Scores appeared lenient at 115-112, 115-112, 117-110 Dorticos was deducted a point for low blows in round ten, after earlier infringements. 

Following the bout IBF champion Jai Opetaia issued a direct challenge to Ramirez, demanding a historic unification clash to determine the undisputed king of the Cruiserweight division. Ramirez had claimed a unanimous decision over Dorticos earlier, solidifying his position as champion, but Opetaia insisted there can be no doubt about who stands alone at the head of the class.

Jai Opetaia: “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.

“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. 

In my honest opinion Ramirez is a tough and incidental champion, and isn’t anywhere close to Opetaia who appears the complete polished article, the unification bout however would be competitive and interesting.