WBA and WBO cruiserweight champion Gilberto 'Zurdo' Ramirez has expressed openness to a unification bout with IBF titleholder Jai Opetaia. While Opetaia, an Australian fighter, has been vocal about his desire for this matchup, the reality of financial viability remains a significant hurdle. Ramirez's career benefits more from high-profile fights in the U.S., where Opetaia lacks recognition. Despite interest from Ramirez, the timing remains uncertain, as he focuses on more lucrative opportunities.

Ramirez recently mentioned his willingness to fight Opetaia in an interview with Ring Magazine, though no specific timeline was provided. The Mexican champion views it as a potential future fight after exhausting other financially viable options. For now, Opetaia needs to enhance his reputation by facing stronger opponents to gain broader appeal among North American boxing enthusiasts. His next defense against Claudio Squeo in Australia exemplifies the lack of challenging opposition he has faced thus far.

Jai Opetaia's career so far has revolved around holding the IBF belt, primarily known for his encounters with a declining Mairis Briedis. These matches did not showcase Opetaia at his best, especially the second bout where he struggled under pressure. Meanwhile, Ramirez enjoys greater prominence through promotions by Golden Boy and could generate higher earnings by fighting names like David Benavidez, Dmitry Bivol, or Artur Beterbiev. Each of these fighters presents a more compelling opportunity within the sport.

As Opetaia continues defending his title against lesser-known contenders, the gap between him and top-tier cruiserweights widens. To elevate his status, he must seek tougher challenges that resonate globally. Conversely, Ramirez remains focused on advancing his legacy through battles that carry significant monetary and reputational value. This strategic approach ensures his continued relevance in the competitive world of professional boxing.