Goulamirian vs Ramirez Set For March 30 As Zurdo Lands Surprise World Title Shot
- Arsen Goulamirian will defend his WBA title against Gilberto Ramirez next
- Goulamirian was given a special permit to face Zurdo on the condition that the winner face Yuniel Dorticos
- Goulamirian vs Ramirez is set for March 30 in Los Angeles live on DAZN
France’s Arsen Goulamirian (27-0, 18 KOs) will defend his WBA cruiserweight championship against Mexico’s Gilberto Ramirez (45-1, 30 KOs) next.
The WBA has confirmed today that they granted the Frenchman a special permit to defend his title against the former super middleweight champion on the condition that the winner faces mandatory challenger Yuniel Dorticos within 120 days after Goulamarian-Ramirez.
Goulamirian has reposted reports of his fight with Zurdo being next on Instagram with Los Angeles, California the expected location and Saturday, March 30 the date, per the WBA.
Ramirez is signed with Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions, who has a deal with DAZN.
36-year-old Goulamirian has not fought since he decisioned Aleksei Egorov in November 2022.
Zurdo lost to Dmitry Bivol for the world title at light heavyweight just two weeks earlier and has had one fight since – a 10-round decision win over Joe Smith Jr on his cruiserweight debut.
Goulamirian vs Ramirez Paves The Way For Opetaia vs Briedis 2
The IBF controversially stripped Jai Opetaia of his IBF title late last year. MORE ON THIS
Mairis Briedis and Gilberto Ramirez are the two highest-ranked contenders in the IBF and were ordered to vie for the vacant championship.
With Ramirez going the WBA route, Briedis will be ordered to face the next highest-ranked fighter in the IBF, Aussie star Opetaia.
Opetaia, who is represented by Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing and also fights on DAZN, is expected to return on the Feb 17 Fury vs Usyk Undercard.