Jai Opetaia issues defiant challenge to 'Zurdo' Ramirez after knockout win

Jai Opetaia did not waste any time in calling out WBA and WBO cruiserweight champion Gilberto 'Zurdo' Ramirez following his knockout win against Claudio Squeo on Sunday.

Opetaia successfully retained his IBF and Ring Magazine cruiserweight titles when he broke Squeo's jaw with a right hand in the the fifth round of their fight at Broadbeach's Gold Coast Convention Centre.

The Australian has made no secret that he wants the unification fights at 200lbs sooner rather than later and amidst the celebrations, he used it as an opportunity to call out the experienced Ramirez.

"Next fight Zurdo Ramirez, he’s mentioned me, he’s told me he will fight me next after his mandatory," Opetaia said.

"Let’s get it on, I’m chasing that belt, let’s go."

Sometimes these call outs can often see fighters fire verbal jibes at their rivals, but Opetaia remained respectful of the Mexican and insisted that he is ready for this eagerly anticipated unification clash.

"I’m not here to bad mouth him, I’m not here to beat him down or anything like that. He’s not here to defend himself, but the fight is easy to make

"We are ready, whenever you call, we are ready."

While Opetaia is hopeful he will face Ramirez next, the latter has some business to attend to first.

On the undercard of Jake Paul's fight with Julio Cesar Chavez Jr, Ramirez will make a mandatory world title defence against Yuniel Dorticos and if successful, a showdown with Opetaia is next with October the rumoured date.

Jake Paul vs Julio Cesar Chavez Jr will be streamed exclusively on DAZN PPV, Saturday, June 28. Buy the PPV now here.