The WBA has ordered a fight between newly crowned WBA cruiserweight champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez and former two-time champion Yuniel Dorticos. This match-up, although intriguing, would have been even more exciting if it had happened a few years ago. Ramirez, with a record of 46-1(30), is coming off a loss against Dmitry Bivol at 175 pounds, making him the likely favorite to defeat the 38-year-old Dorticos.
Dorticos, a former top cruiserweight, faced notable opponents such as Dmitry Kudryashov, Murat Gassiev, Mateusz Masternak, Andrew Tabiti, and Mairis Briedis in the past. However, since his loss to Briedis in September 2020, Dorticos has only fought three times, securing quick stoppage wins in each fight. The question remains whether Dorticos still possesses the skills and stamina to compete at an elite level.
On the other hand, Ramirez, a southpaw aged 33, seems more suited to the cruiserweight division. He has previously competed at 168 and 175 pounds, holding the title of former WBO champion at super middleweight. With a recent victory over Arsen Goulamirian to claim the WBC 200-pound belt, Ramirez is expected to be a formidable opponent for Dorticos.
As Dorticos is Ramirez’s WBA mandatory challenger, the match presents an opportunity for Dorticos to prove his worth against a younger and fresher opponent. The question arises whether Dorticos can defy the odds and defeat both Ramirez and Father Time. With just one stoppage loss on his record, Dorticos has proven to be a resilient fighter, but the challenge of facing Ramirez could push him to his limits.
The location of the fight will be crucial in determining the outcome of this showdown. Dorticos, with a record of 27-2(25), has only been stopped once in his career by Gassiev. Ramirez will aim to become the second fighter to halt Dorticos when they eventually face off later this year. The prospect of this fight brings excitement and uncertainty as two former champions collide in a battle to assert their dominance in the cruiserweight division.