Gilberto 'Zurdo' Ramirez, unified cruiserweight champion, will return to action on January 16 after his shoulder surgery in a tune-up bout where his titles will not be on the line, according to reports According to The Ring magazine, Zurdo Ramirez wants to ensure his shoulder is 100% healthy "before embarking on a possible series of title unification fights in 2026" and perhaps a bout with David Benavidez, who has expressed interest in facing him. "Golden Boy Promotions plans to offer Ramirez a comeback fight on January 16, as a tune-up on the undercard of Alexis Rocha vs. Raul Curiel II at the Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert, California," the magazine reported. "Ramirez will begin his training camp on Monday at the Brickhouse Boxing Club in North Hollywood, California, with head trainer Julian Chua to prepare him for the occasion," it added. Jai Opetaia appears to be next on the Mexican's list, but Eric Gomez, president of Golden Boy Promotions, confirmed to ESPN Knockout that David Benavidez and the unified 200-pound champion are negotiating a "high-stakes fight" for 2026.

Remember that Zurdo Ramirez is coming off a successful defense of his World Boxing Organization (WBO) and World Boxing Association (WBA) cruiserweight titles after defeating Yuniel Dorticos by unanimous decision in his last fight.

The Mexican was in negotiations with Australian Jai Opetaia - the International Boxing Federation (IBF) 200-pound champion - to unify the belts, but the bout was delayed because he had to undergo shoulder surgery after being injured in the fight against Dorticos.

Gilberto 'Zurdo' Ramirez, 34, retained his World Boxing Organization (WBO) titles after defeating Yuniel Dorticos. As a professional, the Sinaloa boxer has a record of 47 wins, 30 of them by knockout, and one loss in his career.