Jai Opetaia 'expecting negotiations' for showdown with Gilberto Ramirez

Jai Opetaia and his co-promoter Mick Francis “expect negotiations to begin in the coming weeks” for a cruiserweight unification title fight between the Australian and Gilberto Ramirez.

The 29-year-old IBF champion and “Zurdo” Ramirez, the champion of the WBO and WBA, are widely recognised as the world’s two leading cruiserweights, and following the latter’s victory over Yuniel Dorticos on Saturday evening, Opetaia has demanded Ramirez fight him next.

If Opetaia has been considered the world’s finest cruiserweight since the first of his victories over Mairis Briedis, in 2022, it took Ramirez, 34 years old and of Mexico, defeating Chris Billam-Smith in November for him to become established as his leading rival. 

Ramirez, regrettably, has been mentioned as a potential opponent for Jake Paul, who on the same promotion as Ramirez-Dorticos defeated Ramirez’s compatriot Julio Cesar Chavez Jnr, but Opetaia said: “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.” 

After four successive fights – all victories – in the UK and Saudi Arabia, Opetaia’s past two wins have taken place in his home country, against David Nyika in January and then Claudio Squeo earlier in June, and Francis, who with Matchroom’s Eddie Hearn promotes Australia’s leading fighter, said: “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.”

The press release issued by Francis’ Tasman Fighters concluded: “Negotiations are expected to begin in the coming weeks, with Opetaia’s team adamant that there is no more compelling fight in the division.”