Gilberto Ramirez underwent successful shoulder surgery on Saturday to treat an injury sustained in his unanimous decision win over Yuniel Dorticos on June 28.
The news will keep the unified WBO/WBA cruiserweight champion Ramirez, 48-1 (30 KOs), on the shelf for the immediate future. Ramirez, 34, had been linked to several big fights in recent months, including a possible unification bout with IBF titleholder Jai Opetaia, or even a defense against Jake Paul, a fight which he told TMZ would be “easy money.” Those and other possible fights will have to wait for Ramirez to heal, however.
“After getting three medical opinions and a lot of thinking, I’ve decided to undergo my shoulder surgery. I’ve been dealing with this injury since my last fight, and pushing through it just isn’t the smart move — for my health or my career,” said “Zurdo” Ramirez in a press release issued on Sunday afternoon.
“Surgery isn’t something any fighter wants to hear, but this is the right call to make sure I heal properly and come back at 100%. I’ll be out of the ring healing until I’m cleared by my medical team, but I’m already locked in on therapy and the road back. Thank you to everyone who’s been checking in and showing love — it means more than you know. I’ll be back stronger, sharper, and hungrier than ever!”
Promoter Oscar de la Hoya of Golden Boy Promotions added his own best wishes for Ramirez’s recovery.
“At Golden Boy, the health and safety of our fighters is our top priority. We look forward to Zurdo returning at 100 percent, fully recovered and ready to take on the biggest challenges that await him once he’s cleared and ready to step back into the ring,” said De la Hoya.
