The return of WBA and WBO cruiserweight champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez will make his return to the ring on June 28, against Cuban Yuniel Dorticos, with a fight between Jake Paul and Julio Cesar Chavez Jnr accompanying it on the bill.
The show is at Honda Center in Anaheim, California.
Ramirez is coming off a stellar 2024, claiming his titles against Arsen Goulamirian and Chris Billam-Smith respectively.
In Dorticos, he faces a former IBF and WBA champion, who stands in his way of a unified clash with current IBF champion Jai Opetaia.
Ramirez is 47-1 (30 KOs), while the Cuban is 27-2 (25 KOs).
“I’m excited to step back into the ring this June to defend my WBA and WBO titles,” said Ramirez. “This fight marks my WBA mandatory, and I know I need to get past this opponent to stay on track in my journey toward greatness – and ultimately, to become the undisputed champion. I’ve been training non-stop and feel sharper than ever as I continue to grow and mature in the sport. The goal hasn’t changed. I’m locked in, and I’m proud to be featured on this card alongside Jake Paul and my good friend Julio César Chávez Jnr. A big thank you to my team, Golden Boy Promotions, MVP, the WBA, the WBO, and all my fans. I can’t wait to put on a show you won’t forget.”
Dorticos, likewise, thanked those charged with organizing the event and added: “My goal is to become a three-time world champion, and now by fighting Zurdo Ramirez I have been granted the chance to accomplish my goals.”
Jake Paul, coming off the huge Netflix event at the end of 2024 that saw him outpoint faded legend Mike Tyson, is now 11-1 as a boxer.
“Five years ago, I stepped into the ring for my pro debut after a single amateur fight, and every fight since has been a step towards becoming world champion,” said Paul. “I just defeated the baddest man on the planet, and now I’m going against a former champion who conman Canelo couldn’t finish. Chávez Jnr is Mexican, but I, El Gallo De Dorado, have the will and heart of the great Mexican fighters. On Saturday, June 28, live on DAZN pay-per-view, I will knock out Julio and make Chávez Snr proud in ways Jnr never has. Another massive event from Most Valuable Promotions, with some Oscar De La Hoya seasoning added to the show. Viva La Puerto Rico.”
Chavez, who is now 54-6-1 (34 KOs) as a pro, said he feels younger than his 39 years.
“First of all, I will show what I can do now that everything is in the right place in my life – mentally and physically,” he said. “I feel rejuvenated and 10 years younger. Second, I want to thank MVP for taking the risk of fighting me. Unfortunately for their Problem Child, they’re going to have a big problem this June – one they won’t know how to resolve. Hopefully when I beat him, people won’t underestimate this win.”
Nakisa Bidarian, co-founder of Most Valuable Promotions along with Paul, said: “Saturday, June 28 marks a defining moment in Jake Paul’s ascent to the top of the boxing world as he aims to show the 125 million people that watched him fight Mike Tyson that he is a real contender in the sport… Add to that the co-main event, which has the return of Mexican Zurdo Ramirez, the WBA and WBO champion, defending his titles against the dangerous Cuban Yuniel Dorticós and you have the ingredients for a night full of fireworks. Most Valuable Promotions is honored to present this momentous card in partnership with Golden Boy Promotions, live from Honda Center in Anaheim and we are proud to continue delivering groundbreaking moments for the sport on DAZN pay-per-view.”
“Once again, Golden Boy is proving that we’re willing to work with anyone to deliver the biggest and most exciting events in boxing. We’re thrilled to partner with Jake Paul, Nakisa Bidarian, Most Valuable Promotions, and DAZN to bring this blockbuster night to fans around the world,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy. “Now the WBA and WBO Unified Cruiserweight Champion, Zurdo has made history not once, but twice – first as the first Mexican-born fighter to become a super middleweight world champion, and now as the first-ever Mexican to claim a cruiserweight world title, holding championships in both divisions. Ramirez is ready to light up the ring once again – this time against the dangerous Yuniel Dorticós, who’s coming in with everything he’s got to steal the spotlight in this mandatory matchup. But make no mistake: Zurdo is built for moments like this. It’s going to be an unforgettable night celebrating the best of Mexican boxing.”
