Gilberto Ramirez Makes History vs. Arsen Goulamirian – Examining the Future for the WBA Cruiserweight World Champion

On Saturday, March 30, Gilberto Ramirez (46-1, 30 KOs) defeated Arsen Goulamirian (27-1, 19 KOs) by unanimous decision at Hollywood Park in Inglewood live on DAZN. Ramirez bossed proceedings and became the first-ever Mexican cruiserweight titleholder. Following this historic win, attention now turns to what will be the next fight for the WBA cruiserweight world champion.

Gilberto Ramirez Next Fight: What’s Next After Arsen Goulamirian?

Ramirez vs. Goulamirian Recap

After a slow opening round, Goulamirian let Ramirez feel his power in round two with a body shot. From round three, “Zurdo” began to take control, working well off his jab and varying his work impressively between the head and body of his opponent. What surprised many was how Ramirez was so comfortable on the inside, landing uppercuts almost at will and working the body of Goulamirian while absorbing comfortably anything that came back.

Read More: Five Underrated Cruiserweight Boxers to Look Out for in 2024

As the fight progressed, Ramirez continued to work well on the inside and at a distance, which seemed to frustrate his Armenian-born opponent, who had minimal success. As the fight drew to a close, “Zurdo” was too slick for the champion, who couldn’t get any momentum going. The judge’s scorecards reflected how dominant Ramirez was, with all three scorecards reading 118-110, crowing “Zurdo” the new WBA cruiserweight champion.

Gilberto Ramirez Next Fight: Noel Mikaelian

Noel Gevor Mikaelian (27-2, 12 KOs) is an Armenian-German cruiserweight – who currently holds the WBC cruiserweight title, which he won by third-round TKO against Ilunga Makabu.  His two defeats have come against Krzysztof Włodarczyk and Mairis Briedis.

The Armenian-German cruiserweight is not a big puncher but uses his height and reach to good effect, with an impressive jab. He puts his punches together well and throws with thought, not to waste any energy. The adaptability of Ramirez and the way he varies his attacks would make this a good opportunity for him to win another belt.

Winner of Chris Billam-Smith vs. Richard Riakporhe

It has been reported that Chris Billam Smith (19-1, 13 KOs) will fight Richard Riakporhe (17-0, 13 KOs) in a much-anticipated rematch for the WBO cruiserweight title, with Riakporhe winning the first encounter by split decision. 

It’s viable that Ramirez could fight the winner in a unification fight for the WBA and WBO titles. “Zurdo” has shown his versatility in fighting well on the inside or at a distance, and a potential fight against either Brit would seemingly bring plenty of fireworks.

Yuniel Dorticos

“Zurdo” will have to fight the 38-year-old Cuban Yunier Dorticos (26-2, 24 KOs) within 120 days as his mandatory, and this would give Ramirez another fight to gain more experience in the cruiserweight division.

The Cuban would bring a plethora of experience and boxing ability. He is at his best when boxing off the front foot and letting his jab go. He carries plenty of power, as proven by his win over Andrew Tabiti. Ramirez has proven he has a strong chin – taking the best shots from Goulamirian, and will be eager to implement a similar game plan. This mandatory defence could be an entertaining watch, and is likely the next fight for Gilberto Ramirez.