Zurdo Ramirez Defends Cruiserweight Crowns with Unanimous Decision Over Dorticos
By Dong Secuya
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 29 Jun 2025
Mexican superstar Gilberto "Zurdo" Ramirez successfully defended his WBO and WBA cruiserweight titles Saturday night (Sunday in Manila) at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California, securing a unanimous decision victory over Cuba's Yuniel Dorticos. The highly anticipated championship clash, the co-main event of the Jake Paul vs Julio Cesar Chavez Jr, broadcast live on DAZN, saw Ramirez weather an early storm before ultimately imposing his will on the veteran Cuban.
The judges' scorecards reflected a clear victory for the southpaw warrior from Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico. Jack Reiss scored the bout 117-110, while both Fernando Villarreal and Steve Weisfeld had it 115-112, all in favor of Ramirez.
The initial half of the fight proved to be a tense, competitive affair. "Dr. KO" Yuniel Dorticos, known for his devastating power, aggressively forced Ramirez onto his back foot. The Cuban knockout artist, who had flattened 25 of his 27 previous opponents, was clearly looking to unleash his signature right hand, a weapon that could change the fight in an instant. Dorticos's early aggression and power made Ramirez cautious, leading to a tactical battle in the opening rounds.
However, as the fight progressed into the second half, the tide began to turn decisively in Ramirez's favor. The Mexican champion, displaying his characteristic stamina and relentless pressure, started to impose his will on the fading Dorticos. Ramirez pressed the action more effectively, consistently throwing combinations and forcing Dorticos to fight off the back foot. The age difference, and perhaps Dorticos's recent inactivity—having only tallied three fights in the last four years at age 39—began to show, as his explosiveness waned in the later rounds. Ramirez capitalized on this, effectively outworking and outmaneuvering his opponent to secure the victory.
This impressive win marks Ramirez's fourth consecutive victory since his lone professional defeat against pound-for-pound star Dmitrii Bivol. With this successful title defense, Gilberto "Zurdo" Ramirez improves his stellar professional record to 48-1-0 with 30 knockouts. Yuniel Dorticos, a formidable opponent despite the loss, now sees his record stand at 27-3-0 with 25 knockouts. The victory further solidifies Ramirez's position at the top of the cruiserweight division, setting the stage for potentially bigger fights in his future.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Dong Secuya.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Signed, Sealed… but Still Unsettled: Unanswered Questions Hang Over Fury-Joshua Ahead of Expected Ink
By NewsHub @ PhilBoxing , Wed, 29 Jul 2026VETERAN SAVVY VS UNDEFEATED POWER: MUGICHA NAKAGAWA VS LEMUEL DE BARBO AUGUST 1 IN LA TRINIDAD
By Carlos Costa, Wed, 29 Jul 2026SKYE NICOLSON TO DEFEND WORLD TITLE AGAINST MIYO YOSHIDA ON AUG 29 IN BIRMINGHAM AS MATCHROOM AND MVP ANNOUNCE ALLIANCE
Wed, 29 Jul 2026Tickets for Martinez vs. Plantic in Los Angles, Saturday, August 29
Wed, 29 Jul 2026Grandy Twins Celebrate Milestone 18th Birthday, Set to Shine at BiYu Promotions' "Fights Under the Lights" on August 14
Tue, 28 Jul 2026Sergeev and Lubkovich set for key bouts at WINLINE. IBA.PRO 20 in Naberezhnye Chelny
Tue, 28 Jul 2026Hard-hitting SEA Games bronze medalist Mark Ashley Fajardo signs with Sanman Boxing
Tue, 28 Jul 2026THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 27 JULY 2026: Tszyu vs Spence, Return of Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury Highlight Busy Week
By Eric Armit, Tue, 28 Jul 2026The Legacy Continues: Team Durán Prepares for Historic Panama-Mexico Showdown
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Tue, 28 Jul 2026NM Ric Portugalera Tops Hongkong Blitz Chess
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 28 Jul 2026Nurghali gets second shot at Japparbergenov’s bantamweight title at International Boxing Day in Astana
Tue, 28 Jul 2026Champion's Mindset: Gustavo Trujillo Ready to Defend BKB Heavyweight Title Against Mark O'Neil at BKB 58
Tue, 28 Jul 2026Spanish boxer Eddine has been Hospitalized in Spain
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Tue, 28 Jul 2026PH football in group C, G
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 28 Jul 2026PHILBOXING.COM MONDAY ROUNDUP: Tszyu Outclasses Spence in Sydney as "The Truth" Retires; Heavyweight Drama in Pattaya and Jeddah
By NewsHub @ PhilBoxing , Mon, 27 Jul 2026