The Ukrainian champion was planning to have two more fights before the end of his career, and the closest of them will probably be a summer rematch with Dubois.
Gilberto Ramirez. Photo – Getty Images
WBO and WBA Super cruiserweight champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (47-1, 30 KO) discussed his hypothetical fight with WBC, IBO, WBA and WBO super heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk (23-0, 14 KO).
“What weight would I fight Usyk at? I think heavyweight. I think it's a good fight. Why? Because we're both southpaws. He's my height, and I think we move the same. It could be a tough fight for both of us.”
Ramirez, 33, has not entered the ring since November last year, when he defeated Chris Billam-Smith by unanimous decision. The Mexican defended his WBA Super title and won the WBO belt, which the Briton previously held. In January of this year, he was challenged to a fight by IBF and The Ring heavyweight champion Jay Opetaia (27-0, 21 KOs).
Usyk, who once came to the heavyweight division from the cruiserweight division, confirmed in late February his desire to have his next fight against IBF world champion Daniel Dubois (22-2, 21 KOs), who had previously challenged Alexander to a rematch, and to become the absolute champion again. It was reported that this fight could take place in July-August 2025.
Dubois himself recently confirmed once again that he intends to meet Usyk in his next fight. The Briton announced that their likely fight is being prepared for July at Wembley Stadium.
At the same time, the WBO has officially determined that the Ukrainian will defend his championship belt. The Ukrainian's opponent should be WBO champion Joseph Parker (36-3, 24 KOs). Refusal to fight could result in Oleksandr losing his WBO championship belt, but Usyk has options to avoid this. One of them is an official request to the WBO to postpone the fight.
Read also: WBO receives petition to allow Usyk to hold next unification fight against Dubois
The Ukrainian, we recall, had his last fight in December – he won his second victory in a year over the Briton Tyson Fury (by unanimous decision of the judges) and retained the title of world champion according to the WBC, IBO, WBA and WBO versions in the heavyweight division. After that, in February, Usyk announced that he would have no more than two fights before ending his career.