JAI Opetaia says he is on “another level” to cruiserweight rival Gilberto Ramirez.
Last night at the Honda Center in Anaheim Opetaia watched the unified champion retain his titles by unanimous decision against mandatory challenger Yuniel Dorticos. The Mexican southpaw got the nod on all three judges’ scorecards 117-110 and 115-112 twice. It wasn’t the level of performance he produced to beat Chris Billam-Smith in November to add the WBO title to his WBA but it was more than enough to defeat the veteran Cuban.
Afterwards, Ramirez declared he wanted to face Opetaia – the IBF champion – next. During DAZN’s broadcast last night his promoter Oscar De La Hoya said he believes a showdown against David Benavidez, who would be have to put on 25lbs to move up from light-heavyweight, is the more “marketable” bout.
In a Team Opetaia press release issued today, the Australian said: “I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again—I’m the best Cruiserweight on the planet. Ramirez put on a good performance against Dorticos, but if he really believes he’s the number one, then there’s only one way to prove it. I’m sick of all the excuses and the delays. None of these other champions have been in a hurry to face me, but the time has come. Let’s unify the division once and for all.
“I respect what Ramirez has accomplished, but I know I’m on another level. I’ve beaten world-class fighters, I’ve defended my titles, and I’m ready to collect more belts. If Ramirez has the courage to step up, I’ll show the world why I’m the real champion.”
Opetaia last defended his title on June 8 with a fifth round knockout win against Claudio Squeo. It was revealed afterwards that Opetaia’s punches had in fact broken the Italian’s jaw. Opetaia is unbeaten in 28 contests and enjoying a second run as IBF champion.
The remaining champion, Badou Jack, holds the WBC title and represents the final hurdle for Opetaia or Ramirez to overcome if they intend to chase undisputed glory at cruiserweight.
