Promoter Eddie Hearn has set his sights on an exciting three-belt championship match. He desires the unified WBA & WBO cruiserweight champion Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez to step into the ring with his fighter, IBF champ Jai Opetaia. Hearn firmly believes that this unification fight is crucial as the IBF has mandated Opetaia to defend against his mandatory next, Huseyin Cinkara.

Uniting Cruiserweight Titles - A Battle for Supremacy

Why Hearn Wants the Unification Fight

Eddie Hearn sees great potential in a showdown between Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez and Jai Opetaia. Ramirez, with an impressive record of 47-1 and 30 KOs, holds significant weight in the cruiserweight division. Hearn understands the importance of bringing these two champions together to create a memorable event. A unified championship would not only boost the profile of the cruiserweight division but also attract a wider audience. It would be a testament to the strength and competitiveness of the sport.

Moreover, Hearn is aware that a win for Opetaia against Ramirez would further solidify his status as a dominant force in the division. On the other hand, a victory for Ramirez would add another prestigious title to his collection. This fight has the potential to be a turning point for both fighters and the cruiserweight division as a whole.

The Underdog Dilemma for Golden Boy

Golden Boy promoter Oscar De La Hoya finds himself in a tricky situation. While Hearn is pushing for the Ramirez vs. Opetaia fight, De La Hoya may be reluctant to assist as his fighter, Zurdo Ramirez, would likely be the underdog. In 2022, De La Hoya made a misstep by having Ramirez fight Hearn's fighter Dmitry Bivol, resulting in a first-ever career loss for Ramirez through a one-sided 12-round unanimous decision.

De La Hoya and Golden Boy are likely to focus on matching Ramirez against opponents they know he can beat rather than taking on the challenge of facing Opetaia. They understand the risks involved and the potential for Ramirez to suffer another defeat. However, Hearn remains steadfast in his belief that this is the fight that the division needs.

Cinkara vs. Opetaia - A Mandatory but Less Appealing Fight

Huseyin Cinkara became the mandatory challenger for Opetaia's belt by stopping Armend Xhoxha in the second round on April 27th. While it is a mandatory fight, it may not generate as much excitement as the Ramirez vs. Opetaia matchup.

Most of Opetaia's opponents during his nine-year career in Australia have been relatively unknown. The only notable opponent he faced was Mairis Briedis, and even in their rematch, Opetaia showed signs of hesitation when taking punishment. He fought more like a bigger version of Shakur Stevenson, constantly moving around the ring to avoid getting hit.

In contrast, Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez is a formidable fighter but is also relatively easy to hit, as seen in his fight against Chris Billiam-Smith. De La Hoya would be taking a risk by matching Ramirez against Opetaia, who has the power to cause serious damage.