Boxing: Opetaia Dominates, Ramirez Eyes Unification
Jai Opetaia retains cruiserweight title with knockout win, calls out Gilberto Ramirez for unification bout.
Boxing: Opetaia Dominates, Ramirez Eyes Unification
Jai Opetaia remains the unquestioned king of the cruiserweight division after a highlight-reel knockout of David Nyika on Wednesday in Gold Coast, Australia, to retain his IBF world title.
Nyika is still inexperienced and was fighting on the top level for the first time, but he remains a serious talent after a decorated amateur career that culminated with an Olympic bronze medal in 2020 for New Zealand. With just 11 pro fights, Nyika will have time to earn another title shot, where he should be better prepared.
Opetaia, meanwhile, called on WBO and WBA cruiserweight champion Gilberto "Zurdo" Ramirez to unify titles. Ramirez has looked his best in his third weight class and is coming off a decision win over Chris Billam-Smith in November where he added a second cruiserweight title.
Pound-for-pound rankings
Who is the best fighter regardless of weight class? See ESPN's P4P rankings here.
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