Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez Forced to Postpone Cruiserweight Title Defense Due to Challenger’s Hand Injury

Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez will not defend his titles on January 16th. His planned cruiserweight title defense against Robin Safar is officially canceled. The fight was scrapped due to an injury to the challenger. This news was first reported by boxing insider Mike Coppinger of The Ring Magazine.

Safar suffered a significant hand injury during training in November. The proposed January date was deemed an unrealistic recovery timeline. The camps are now exploring their options, which may include moving on entirely.

Planned Tune-Up Scrapped, Benavidez Bout Looms

Both fighters are reportedly open to rebooking the contest for February. However, they are equally prepared to simply walk away from the matchup. This flexibility exists because the fight served a specific purpose.

For Ramirez, the bout was always a planned tune-up. His true focus is a far more lucrative and legacy-defining fight. According to the report, Ramirez has already agreed to face David Benavidez in May. If the Safar fight cannot be quickly rescheduled, Ramirez will wait for Benavidez.

For Safar, other opportunities are already being considered. The 33-year-old contender is interested in facing former champion Chris Billam-Smith. Another potential opponent is former title challenger Ryan Rozicki.

Ramirez’s Path Now Points Directly to Super Fight

This cancellation effectively clears Ramirez’s path to a major payday. The planned blockbuster against Benavidez is now the undeniable priority. The two are slated to headline a major event on Cinco de Mayo weekend in 2026.

The fight would see Benavidez move up from light heavyweight to challenge for Ramirez’s WBA and WBO cruiserweight belts. This move has generated significant buzz among boxing fans. It sidelines, for now, calls for Ramirez to face unified champion Jai Opetaia.

An Opetaia fight would consolidate four major belts in the cruiserweight division. Ramirez has shown little public interest in that unification bout. His agreement with Benavidez secures a high-profile alternative, leaving the division’s unification plans on hold.

The delay of his title defense is a minor setback for Gilberto Ramirez. His championship calendar is now focused squarely on a super fight with David Benavidez that could define his career at cruiserweight.

A quick knowledge drop for you

Why was the Ramirez vs. Safar fight canceled?

The fight was canceled because challenger Robin Safar suffered a hand injury in November. The scheduled January date did not provide enough time for proper recovery, forcing the postponement.

Will the Ramirez vs. Safar fight be rescheduled?

Both sides are considering a new date in February. However, they are also open to canceling the matchup entirely, as it was a tune-up for Ramirez’s bigger planned fight.

Who will Gilberto Ramirez fight next?

Ramirez has reportedly already agreed to fight David Benavidez in May 2026. If the Safar fight falls through, he will proceed directly to preparing for that bout.

What titles are at stake in the Benavidez fight?

If the fight happens, David Benavidez would challenge for Ramirez’s WBA and WBO cruiserweight world titles. Benavidez would be moving up in weight from light heavyweight for the opportunity.

What are Robin Safar’s plans now?

With his fight postponed, Safar is reportedly interested in facing other contenders. Potential opponents include former champion Chris Billam-Smith and former title challenger Ryan Rozicki.

Why isn’t Ramirez fighting Jai Opetaia instead?

Ramirez has shown limited public interest in a unification bout with Opetaia. The financial and profile incentives of a Benavidez fight appear to have taken priority in his career planning.