The Upcoming Title Defense
WBA and WBO cruiserweight champion Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez (47-1, 30 KOs) has made a strategic decision to defend his titles against the #1 WBA-ranked contender, Yuniel Dorticos (27-2, 25 KOs), on June 28th. This decision has raised eyebrows, as many boxing enthusiasts and critics alike expected Ramirez to opt for a more high-profile unification match against IBF champion Jai Opetaia. While the fight against the 39-year-old Dorticos may not generate the same level of excitement or fan interest, it does offer Ramirez a more manageable path to retaining his two prestigious belts.
A Blast from the Past
Yuniel Dorticos, once a prominent figure in the cruiserweight division, brings a nostalgic element to the fight. Fans who remember his peak years will certainly appreciate the opportunity to see him back in action. However, it’s important to note that Dorticos hasn’t faced notable opponents in recent years. His most recent significant victories were over Andrew Tabiti in 2019 and Mateusz Masternak in 2018. Both of these fighters were more fringe-level contenders rather than top-tier stars. This five-year gap between meaningful bouts suggests that Dorticos might not be the formidable opponent he once was. For Ramirez, who has faced significant challenges in the past, this choice presents a lower-risk scenario to maintain his championship status.
The State of the Cruiserweight Division
The cruiserweight division, once a hotbed of talent, has seen a decline in recent years. The World Boxing Association’s (WBA) decision to rank Dorticos as the #1 contender reflects the division’s current state of weakness. Most of Dorticos’ recent opponents have been on the fringes of professional boxing, with records that do not inspire confidence in his current form. For instance, his last three opponents—Alan Campa (19-9), Deibis Berrocal (18-12), and Jesse Bryan (20-5-2)—are far from the caliber of fighters that would test a champion’s mettle. This context underscores the concerning lack of depth and quality in the cruiserweight division, making it easier for Ramirez to prolong his reign.
The Impact of Recent Injuries
Ramirez’s choice to defend against Dorticos can also be seen as a prudent decision following his grueling 12-round unanimous decision victory over Chris Billam-Smith in November 2022. The fight was a brutal affair, with Ramirez absorbing significant headshots from the heavy-handed Billam-Smith. The physical toll of that battle is evident, and it’s reasonable for Ramirez to opt for a less daunting opponent to ensure his health and longevity in the sport. Facing the younger and more aggressive Jai Opetaia might have posed too great a risk, both in terms of physical damage and the possibility of losing his titles.
Dorticos: A Question of Ambition and Confidence
Yuniel Dorticos’ recent fighting pattern raises questions about his current ambitions and confidence. After losing his IBF title to Mairis Briedis in September 2020, Dorticos has been largely inactive, fighting only three times against second-tier opponents over the past five years. This prolonged period of facing subpar competition suggests that Dorticos may have lost some of the edge and motivation that once made him a top contender. The reasons behind this inactivity are unclear, but they could range from a lack of confidence following his loss to Briedis to a strategic decision to remain in safe fights. Regardless, the choice of Dorticos as an opponent for Ramirez reflects a cautious approach, potentially aimed at extending his championship reign without taking undue risks.
The Bigger Picture
While the fight between Ramirez and Dorticos may not be the most thrilling or significant encounter, it does serve a practical purpose for both fighters. For Ramirez, it provides a safer route to maintaining his titles and possibly setting up more lucrative and high-stakes bouts in the future. For Dorticos, it offers a chance to reclaim some of the glory he once enjoyed, though the road back to the top will be challenging given his recent form. Ultimately, the state of the cruiserweight division and the strategic considerations of both fighters have led to this matchup, reflecting the complexities and realities of professional boxing.
