Jai Opetaia has reiterated his desire to face Gilberto "Zurdo" Ramirez in a cruiserweight unification title clash after the Mexican retained his WBA and WBO belts against Yuniel Dorticos on Saturday night in Anaheim.

Opetaia (28-0, 22 KOs), The Ring and IBF champion, is coming off two easy knockout victories over David Nyika and Claudio Squeo in 2025, but he has consistently called for a shot at fellow champion Ramirez.

After Ramirez's unanimous decision victory over Dorticos on the Jake Paul-Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. card at Honda Center in Southern California, he partook in a brief face-off with Paul (12-1, 7 KOs) at the post-fight press conference.

Paul is expected to earn a top-15 ranking from the WBA following his points win over Chavez, making him eligible to challenge Ramirez (48-1, 30 KOs) for his titles.

Opetaia, however, is already looking to do everything in his power to secure a fight with Ramirez first.

Via statement, Opetaia said: “I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again — I’m the best Cruiserweight on the planet. Ramirez put on a good performance against Dorticos, but if he really believes he’s the number one, then there’s only one way to prove it.

"I’m sick of all the excuses and the delays. None of these other champions have been in a hurry to face me, but the time has come. Let’s unify the division once and for all.

“I respect what Ramirez has accomplished, but I know I’m on another level. I’ve beaten world-class fighters, I’ve defended my titles, and I’m ready to collect more belts. If Ramirez has the courage to step up, I’ll show the world why I’m the real champion.”

Opetaia's manager Mick Francis also confirmed via press release that negotiations for a fight with Ramirez would begin in the coming weeks.

“The time for talk is over," he added.

"Jai is the true lineal champion and the most dangerous Cruiserweight in the world. We have nothing but respect for Ramirez and what he’s achieved, but this is the fight that boxing needs. I have complete faith that Ramirez will do the right thing and accept this challenge. The fans deserve to see the best against the best.”