Hearns Looks To Oscar For A Big Unification In May
Matchroom Boxing’s CEO Eddie Hearn called on Golden Boy Promotions’ Oscar De La Hoya for a big unification. The British promoter wants to have IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia vs unified champion Gilberto Ramirez in May.
In front of the home crowd, Opetaia (27-0, 21KO) defended the title against late replacement David Nyka. Both fighters came out throwing bombs, landing hard shots early and often. The champion’s footwork, speed, use of angle, and power were on full display.
After three rounds of high-octane action, Opetaia kicked it into another gear and sent Nyka to the canvas in the fourth with a punishing uppercut. As the challenger rose off the canvas, the champion quickly attacked with more hard shots before scoring an early candidate for Knockout of the Year.
A CALL TO UNIFY
During the post-fight interview, Hearn revealed that De La Hoya would be watching, to which he took the opportunity to send a message.
“Oscar De La Hoya messaged me early to say he’s watching closely tonight. Oscar, if you watching, let’s make it happen. It’s the best fight in the division”.
Opetaia has wanted a unification since defeating two-time champion Mairis Briedis in a 2024 rematch. So it shouldn’t surprise anyone when he called out Ramirez during the in-ring post-fight interview.
“Ramirez, I’m coming for the belts. We’re coming for the rest of the belts, man. We’re coming for them…I’ve been waiting for these fights for a long time. We’re chasing these unification fights. I’m coming for my belts.”
POSSIBLE DATE REVEALED
Ramirez (47-1, 30KO) is on page with Opetaia calling for the fight after beating one-time WBO champion Chris Billam-Smith in November 2024. He also possesses solid footwork, likes to use the angle, and may be a better boxer between the two. However, it will be interesting to see how he handles the Aussie’s pressure, movement and power.
In addition, Hearn revealed the target date for the fight is May. Boxing fans await in anticipation for the fight to get made.
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