Zurdo Ramirez Dismisses Jai Opetaia's Fight Record Ahead of Potential Cruiserweight Clash

The Mexican boxer questions the quality of Opetaia's opponents as they eye a unification bout.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Gilberto 'Zurdo' Ramirez, the current WBO cruiserweight champion, has addressed a potential fight against Jai Opetaia, the IBF and The Ring titleholder. Ramirez dismissed Opetaia's resume, stating that the Australian needs to face 'better guys' before they can meet in a unification bout. The Mexican boxer is rumored to be facing David Benavidez in May, while Opetaia is set to make his Zuffa Boxing debut against Brandon Glanton on March 8.

Why it matters

The cruiserweight division is heating up, with several champions vying for unification fights. Ramirez's comments about Opetaia's record suggest there may be some tension between the two camps as they potentially work towards a high-profile showdown to determine the undisputed cruiserweight champion.

The details

Gilberto 'Zurdo' Ramirez (48-1, 30 KOs) is coming off a win over Yuniel Dorticos and has won four consecutive fights since his loss to Dmitry Bivol. Ramirez is rumored to be facing David Benavidez (31-0, 25 KOs) in a highly anticipated cruiserweight bout on May 2 in Las Vegas. Jai Opetaia (29-0, 23 KOs) will make his Zuffa Boxing debut on March 8 against Brandon Glanton (21-3, 18 KOs), with the IBF, The Ring, and Zuffa cruiserweight titles on the line. When asked about a potential fight with Opetaia, Ramirez said the fight will happen eventually, but he questioned the quality of Opetaia's opponents, stating that the Australian needs to face 'better guys' before they can meet in a unification bout.

  • Ramirez was last seen in action in his win over Yuniel Dorticos.
  • Ramirez and Benavidez are rumored to be facing each other on May 2 in Las Vegas.
  • Opetaia will make his Zuffa Boxing debut on March 8 against Brandon Glanton.

The players

Gilberto 'Zurdo' Ramirez

The current WBO cruiserweight champion with a record of 48-1 and 30 KOs.

Jai Opetaia

The IBF and The Ring cruiserweight titleholder with a record of 29-0 and 23 KOs.

David Benavidez

A rising cruiserweight contender with a record of 31-0 and 25 KOs.

Brandon Glanton

Opetaia's upcoming opponent in his Zuffa Boxing debut, with a record of 21-3 and 18 KOs.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I think it will happen eventually. People wanna see that fight. He just signed with another promoter in Zuffa, and they just recognise The Ring Magazine belt. It's a chance to fight there too.”

— Gilberto 'Zurdo' Ramirez (Fight Hub TV)

“No, I'm not worried. But I mean, the fight will happen, for sure.”

— Gilberto 'Zurdo' Ramirez (Fight Hub TV)

“Because 'Zurdo' is there. I'm the best cruiserweight champion. I mean, he's been doing well in his whole career. He's been fighting for a long time in this division, but I think he needs to be fighting with different guys, better guys.”

— Gilberto 'Zurdo' Ramirez (Fight Hub TV)

What’s next

The winner of the rumored Ramirez vs. Benavidez fight could potentially face Jai Opetaia in a unification bout, while Opetaia may also face Noel Mikaelian, the current WBO champion, after his fight against Brandon Glanton.

The takeaway

Ramirez's dismissal of Opetaia's resume suggests there may be some tension between the two camps as they work towards a potential unification fight to determine the undisputed cruiserweight champion. The cruiserweight division is heating up, and fans will be eager to see the champions face off in high-profile matchups.