
WBA and WBO world champion in the light heavyweight division Gilberto Ramirez and IBF title holder Jai Opetaia, will not immediately move to the highly anticipated title unification match. Instead, they will conduct title defenses first, according to The Ring.
Ramirez is likely to face the mandatory challenger for the WBA title, Yuniel Dorticos. The World Boxing Association (WBA) has officially notified representatives of both Ramirez and Dorticos about the start of a 30-day negotiation period for the mandatory defense.
The WBA initially mandated Ramirez’s mandatory defense back in August 2024 but later granted the champion permission to engage in a unification bout against WBO belt holder Chris Billam-Smith.
Dorticos last fought against Alan Campa in June 2024, a fight that was stopped in the first round, where Yuniel secured a knockout victory. His record stands at 27 wins (25 by knockout) and two losses.
Ramirez’s most recent bout was against Chris Billam-Smith in November 2024, which went the distance and concluded in favor of Gilberto by unanimous decision. He boasts a record of 47 wins (30 by knockout) and one loss.


