The cruiserweight division is heating up, and if everything goes right, fans might witness an epic unification showdown in 2025. Of course, that’s only if promoters and boxing politics don’t get in the way. Right now, the focus is on Jai Opetaia, the Australian southpaw with an impressive 27-0 record (21 KOs). Back in January, he delivered a crushing fourth-round KO to David Nyika, handing him his first career loss and successfully defending his IBF world cruiserweight title. Now, 4 months later, he’s gearing up to defend that title again against another undefeated challenger, Claudio Squeo. Even though Squeo recently demolished Orlando de Jesus Estrada with a second-round TKO, Opetaia remains the heavy favorite. But not everyone thinks he’s been tested enough—especially not another cruiserweight champion.

Yesterday, The Ring Magazine unveiled for boxing fans their conversation with the unified cruiserweight champion. “Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez tells The Ring that a unification with Jai Opetaia excites him, as he wants to prove that he is the best cruiserweight in the world,” the caption on their X post read. The current WBA and WBO cruiserweight champion Gilberto Ramirez clinched the WBO cruiserweight title after a grueling 12-round battle with Chris Billam-Smith—a fight that left The Gentleman with a cut over his left eye. Now, Ramirez wants to settle the debate over who’s truly the best at the 200lbs division.

“Fighting Jai Opetaia excites me. I would like to fight him,” Ramirez said to The Ring. Why? “Supposedly, he’s the best cruiserweight. But I have two titles, and I’m the best in this division. He’s a good champion, but everyone keeps saying he’s the guy. I’ll prove to everyone that I’m the real best. That’s the fight I want.” Strong words from the Mexican champion, who clearly isn’t interested in playing second fiddle. But before he can make that fight happen, he has some unfinished business to take care of first.

Originally, Zurdo was scheduled to fight in April, then in May. But now, The Ring has confirmed that he will defend his WBA and WBO titles against WBA mandatory challenger Yuniel Dorticos on June 28, live on DAZN. The location is still to be determined, but one thing is certain—Ramirez needs to get past Dorticos before thinking about unification. And if he does? He’s got a full list of opponents already lined up.

Ramirez isn’t just looking for one or two big fights. He’s got five major plans in mind. First on the list? Unifying the division against Opetaia and WBC champion Badou Jack. Second, a rematch with Dmitry Bivol at cruiserweight, looking to avenge his only career loss from their light heavyweight clash in 2022. Third, he’s eyeing massive showdowns against his fellow Mexican stars, Canelo Alvarez and David Benavidez. Fourth, he wants to give Jake Paul a real cruiserweight bout. And finally, in the long run, he wants to move up to heavyweight, a challenge only a few elite boxers dare to take on.

For now, all eyes are on June 28. If Ramirez walks away victorious against Dorticos, the cruiserweight division could be looking at another undisputed champion down the line, years after Oleksandr Usyk moved up to heavyweight. Anyway, when Gilberto Ramirez wants to fight Jai Opetaia, does Opetaia feel the same way? From the looks of it, he’s not too picky when it comes to opponents.

Jai Opetaia doesn’t care who it is

Speaking to the Samoa Observer, the undefeated IBF and Ring Magazine cruiserweight champ made it clear that his focus is on staying active and racking up victories, no matter the opponent.

The 29-year-old has been eager to take on the division’s best, including WBA and WBO champion Gilberto Ramirez. But so far, no unification fight has materialized. And when asked about a potential showdown with heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk, Opetaia didn’t hesitate. If the fight happens, he’s ready. “Whether I fight Ramirez, Usyk, Dmitri, or whoever, I just have to win,” Opetaia said. “We have just locked in a fight in May. I just have to keep winning and the opportunity will come.”

Jai Opetaia also acknowledged the buzz around a potential fight with Ramirez but said nothing has been confirmed yet. “I’ve heard a few rumors as well, but there’s nothing confirmed yet…. if he wants to fight, let’s fight…  I just really want to tick that box,” he added.

That begs the question—do you think this fight will actually happen someday? And if it does, who do you see coming out on top?