Zurdo Ramirez Respects Rivalry Ahead of Title Defense Against Dorticos

Unified World Cruiserweight Champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (47-1, 30 KOs) is gearing up for another high-stakes showdown, paying tribute to the storied Mexican vs. Cuban boxing rivalry as he prepares to defend his WBO and WBA titles this Saturday, June 28. Ramirez will face off against the WBA’s No. 1-ranked mandatory challenger, Yuniel “The KO Doctor” Dorticos (27-2, 25 KOs), in a 12-round co-main event on a stacked DAZN Pay-Per-View card.

The event, promoted by MVP Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions, takes place at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California. Headlining the night is social media star-turned-boxer Jake “The Problem Child” Paul (11-1, 7 KOs) against former world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. (54-6-1, 34 KOs), son of the legendary six-time, three-division Hall of Famer Julio Cesar Chavez Sr. (107-6-2, 85 KOs).

Ramirez acknowledges the historical weight of Mexican vs. Cuban clashes, recalling iconic matchups such as Gaspar Ortega vs. Kid Gavilan, Jose Luis Castillo vs. Joel Casamayor, Juan Manuel Marquez vs. Casamayor, and Armando Muniz vs. Jose Napoles. Traditionally, Mexican boxers are known for their relentless pressure and aggression, while Cuban fighters bring elite footwork, technical prowess, and defensive mastery.

In this matchup, however, the lines blur. Ramirez, known for his skillful footwork and technique, faces a knockout artist in Dorticos, whose power and finishing ability live up to his nickname, "The KO Doctor."

Ramirez is undefeated against Cuban fighters in his professional career. In 2021, he stopped Yuniesky “The Monster” Gonzalez (21-3, 17 KOs) in the 12th round and knocked out Sullivan Barrera (22-3, 14 KOs) in the fourth, scoring three body-shot knockdowns. Dorticos, meanwhile, has only faced one Mexican opponent professionally—Alan Campa (19-9, 13 KOs)—whom he dispatched in the first round.

“I have a lot of respect for Cuban fighters,” said Ramirez. “They’re skilled and tough opponents. Dorticos is no different—he has great power and footwork, and he’s dangerous at any moment. I’ve trained hard and never take these opportunities for granted. I know what this fight means for him, so I expect the best version of Dorticos on fight night.”