Opetaia-Zurdo, Fundora-Murtazaliev and more - unification bouts we need to see
For many boxers, simply having one belt is not enough. Thanks to the machinations of sanctioning bodies, multiple world champions can co-exist in a weight class – but both fighters and fans alike love to see titleholders converge in unification bouts.
Two belts are always better than one, whilst boxers that claim champion status with two sanctioning bodies also boast bragging rights over their rivals.
Some champions even manage to negotiate the politics of the sport to combine all four major belts to become undisputed at their weight, a dream shared by many fighters over the decades.
Unification bouts constantly capture the attention, but these five champion-versus-champion fights could produce blockbuster nights.
Jai Opetaia - Gilberto 'Zurdo' Ramirez
The cruiserweight division, perhaps unfairly, has largely been seen as a stepping stone weight, with fighters learning their trade before assaulting boxing's most-glamorous class, heavyweight.
Only three fighters have ever reigned as undisputed champion at 200lbs, Evander Holyfield, O'Neil Bell, and Oleksandr Usyk.
Holyfield instantly moved up to heavyweight; Usyk defended his titles once before following in the footsteps of his predecessor.
Unified champions are also quite rare, with current WBO and WBA champ Gilberto 'Zurdo' Ramirez just the sixth example in the four-belt era, after Murat Gassiev (WBA, IBF), Denis Lebedev (WBA, IBF), Oleksandr Usyk (Undisputed), David Haye (WBA, WBC, WBO), and Jean-Marc Mormeck (WBA, WBC).
Both Ramirez and IBF belt holder Jai Opetaia have not been shy about discussing a unification bout. Last November, Ramirez became the first man to unify two titles in the division since Usyk after beating then-WBO champion Chris Billam-Smith.
Opetaia successfully defended his IBF crown earlier in June, whilst Ramirez is in action at the end of the month against challenger Yuniel Dorticos.
If the Mexican navigates his first defence of his unified status, a bout with Opetaia could – and should – be on the cards for later this year.
Both fighters appear keen on the prospect, but it remains to be seen whether we will see a cruiserweight with three straps by the end of 2025.
Janibek Alimkhanuly - Carlos Adames
Kazakh Janibek Alimkhanuly is another two-belt champion, holding the IBF and WBO titles at middleweight. Owning half of the belts in the division, Alimkhanuly is the man to beat, especially for WBC champion Carlos Adames.
That is because the Dominican refuses to face stablemate Erislandy Lara, who holds the WBA crown at 160lbs. Whilst Adames has ruled out a bout with Lara, he wants to fight Alimkhanuly.
The two have exchanged barbs for some time, with Alimkhanuly petitioning Turki Alalshikh to organise a bout between the pair for the undercard of Canelo-Crawford later this year.
Reports suggest that negotiations have taken place between both champions' camps, implying that we could see a unification bout at middleweight sooner rather than later.
Nick Ball - Rafael Espinoza
Conversation around Nick Ball has focused on a potential bout with undisputed super bantamweight champion Naoya Inoue for some time, but it appears both fighters are happy to keep that fight on the back burner.
WBA champion at featherweight, Ball looks set to face a different super bantamweight in his next fight, with a defence against Australian Sam Goodman scheduled for a Riyadh Season card in August.
Inoue himself seems content to bide his time before moving up to featherweight, the Japanese fighter instead waiting for his compatriot Junto Nakatani to step up to super bantamweight for an all-Japan fight.
That is a view shared by Ball, who has suggested that while he waits for Inoue to join the featherweight ranks, he will look to add more belts to his collection. The Liverpudlian could have potentially been a two-belt champion, missing out on the WBC crown after a controversial draw with Rey Vargas in 2024.
Current WBC champion Stephen Fulton will move up to face the organisation's super-featherweight titleholder O'Shaquie Foster in August, nixing a bout with Ball.
Having previously spoken about liking a fight with Fulton, diminutive scouser Ball has also discussed fighting WBO champion Rafael Espinoza.
Aside from being a unification bout, the difference in height would add a certain level of intrigue to the fight. Ball stands at around 5' 2', whilst the lanky Espinoza has been measured at 6' 1', despite both operating at 126lbs.
The difference in styles – and wingspans – would throw up a very interesting bout.
Sebastian Fundora - Bakhram Murtazaliev
Sebastian Fundora became a unified champion in his first full world title shot, defeating Tim Tszyu by split decision to take the WBO and WBC belts at super welterweight. After making a defence against Chardale Booker in March, Fundora faces Tszyu in a rematch this July.
It was after Fundora's victory over Booker that IBF champ Bakhram Murtazaliev announced his desire to face the American, but it would only unify two belts.
That is because Fundora vacated the WBO's title, deciding to honour a rematch clause with Tszyu, rather than face mandatory Xander Zayas. Murtazaliev has been dormant since defeating Tszyu himself in October, with the California-based fighter waiting for a unification shot.
With the future of Terence Crawford, holder of the WBA belt and the interim WBO title, uncertain at super welterweight, the winner of a potential Fundora-Murtazaliev bout would be well placed to establish themselves as top dog of the 154lbs division.
Oscar Collazo - Pedro Taduran
There are still big fights to be made in boxing's lightest division. Oscar Collazo reigns as champion of both the WBA and WBO, with the IBF belt held by Pedro Maduran, and Melvin Jerusalem in possession of the WBC strap.
Puerto Rican Collazo and Filipino Taduran are both 28-years-old and arguably in the primes, making a unification bout a tasty prospect.
Collazo defeated the division's other champion, Jerusalem, in 2023, taking the Filipino's WBO strap.
Jerusalem has done well to bounce back and earn the WBC belt, but a rematch with undisputed status on the line has a better ring to it than a unification bout.
As such, rather than see Collazo and Jerusalem run it back, it would be interesting to see who comes out on top of a potential bout between the Puerto Rican and Taduran.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
43 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Gianni Infantino insists 'players LOVE the Club World Cup' as he hits back at critics and claims it shows Americans they can 'get rich and famous from football'
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has launched a staunch defence of the Club World Cup. The tournament, in its first edition in the current 32-team format after being created by Infantino, has faced widespread criticism for a variety of reasons. Global player organisation FIFPro have highlighted the additional demands an expanded tournament will place on players and the negative impact of not having a summer break, with some stars having previously threatened to boycott the competition over workload concerns. Several games have also been played in front of swathes of empty seats, while the extreme weather of the USA at this time of the year and concerns over whether the $1billion (£740m) prize fund will unbalance leagues when teams return home have similarly been noted. Elsewhere, Infantino's claims that the tournament is 'the best against the best' have been brought into question given none of the champions of England, Spain or Italy are involved, while Bayern Munich beat Auckland City 10-0 in their first group game. However, Infantino hit back at these claims and insisted the expanded competition is going well and has the potential to change people's opinions. But it has been widely criticised for a variety of reasons, including low attendances at games 'So, maybe some criticise it a little bit, but it's something new. It's something special,' Infantino said when speaking in Manhattan at the weekend. 'It's a real World Cup with the best teams and the best players. 'It was about time that somebody invented a World Cup for club teams. 'Since 100 years, we know which is the best country in the world, but, until today, we do not really know which is the best team in the world. 'So, we thought it might not be a bad idea to create a World Cup for teams to decide.' Infantino continued: 'Well, I think the players who play, they are loving it. Harry Kane gave an interview saying, "it's a fantastic competition. It's beautiful"'. 'They (players) love it. Those who are not there, of course, they would love to be there.' There have been some early success stories of the Club World Cup, including the atmosphere generated by the likes of Boca Juniors supporters, while Brazilian sides Botafogo and Flamengo caused major upsets against PSG and Chelsea respectively. And Infantino, whose name is engraved on the tournament's trophy, has claimed if the Club World Cup and next summer's World Cup in the US are a success, the trajectory of football in the country may completely change. He added: 'The Club World Cup, and with the World Cup next year, is to show to young Americans that, actually, if you are good and if you are talented, you don't need to go to another sport, because through soccer, there is a path for glory and a path for money, as well. 'You can become famous. You can become rich if you follow a soccer path, which today young Americans don't see. 'Because they see, of course, the NFL or the NBA or baseball or ice hockey, but we will show them here, in their country, the power of soccer.'
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
FedEx founder Fred Smith dies aged 80
FedEx founder Fred Smith, the billionaire father of NFL coach Arthur Smith, has died at the age of 80 according to multiple reports. The elder Smith began operating FedEx in 1973, with the company going on to become a multinational force providing transportation, e-commerce and more. A cause of death has not yet been provided for Smith, who was also a minority owner of the Washington Commanders from 2003 to 2021. The founder of Memphis, Tennessee-based FedEx was honored by several politicians following his passing, including Tennessee Sen. Marsha Blackburn. 'I am deeply saddened by the passing of Fred Smith,' she said. 'As the founder of FedEx, his leadership and innovation transformed global commerce, and he will be remembered for his relentless drive, patriotism, and commitment to service. 'His legacy will endure not only through the company he built but through the countless lives he touched. Praying for his wife, children, and family.' Smith, who was worth $5.3billion at the time of his passing according to Forbes, was also known for his philanthropy work, as he donated millions of dollars to the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation (he served in the Marine Corps for four years before founding FedEx). The businessman stepped down as FedEx's CEO in 2022 (though he continued to serve as executive chairman), and he was hailed as 'the most significant Memphian in history' on Saturday by the city's former mayor Jim Strickland. 'He benefited our city in every way possible and allowed generations of Memphians to achieve the American dream,' Strickland continued. 'God bless Fred Smith. My condolences to the Smith family.' Arthur, 43, was born in Memphis before ultimately becoming an NFL coach. He worked for his hometown franchise, the Titans, for nine years as he rose the ranks from defensive quality control coach to offensive coordinator from 2019-20. He accepted the Falcons' head coaching job in 2021, and was ultimately fired after the 2023 season after posting a 7-10 record for the third consecutive year. Arthur is currently the Steelers' offensive coordinator. And Pittsburgh fans offered some words of support for the coach after they learned of the news. 'Have to feel for Arthur tonight. Losing a parent is rough. RIP Mr Smith,' one said on X.
The Independent
2 hours ago
- The Independent
Is Manchester City v Al-Ain on TV? How to watch Club World Cup game for free
Manchester City look to make it two wins from two games in the Club World Cup, as they face Al-Ain in Atlanta. Pep Guardiola showcased two new recruits in victory over Casablanca-based Wydad AC, in the form of Tijjani Rejinders and Rayan Cherki, but it was Phil Foden and Jeremy Doku who provided the goals. In their second outing, City face UAE outfit Al-Ain, who lost 5-0 to Juventus in their opening game of the tournament. They won the AFC Champions League Elite in 2024, with former Wolves goalkeeper Rui Patricio one of their more recognisable names after signing ahead of the Club World Cup. City will be without Rico Lewis for the fixture after he was sent off late in the victory over Wydad. Real Madrid face Pachuca at 9pm ET in Atlanta today, Sunday 22 June. That is 2am BST on Monday 23 June. The match will take place at the impressive Mercedes-Benz Stadium, which is the home of the Atlanta Falcons NFL team and played host to Chelsea's win over LAFC in front of thousands of empty seats. DAZN will be broadcasting each match of the tournament live, from the opener up to and including the final, for free in the UK. All users can watch a live stream on television and mobile devices, all they need to do is sign up for the company's DAZN Freemium service, with the option to watch ad-free coverage for £14.99. Users can watch DAZN from anywhere by using the DAZN App on TVs, smartphones and any device with a web browser. The streaming service has hired several footballing legends as part of it's coverage team, with Ronaldo Nazario, Claude Makelele, Sami Khedira, John Obi Mikel and Christian Vieri among the former players to feature on the punditry line-up, alongside Shay Given and Premier League striker Callum Wilson. Ade Oladipo, Kelly Somers and Olivia Buzaglo will act as hosts for the coverage alongside former Football Italia presenter James Richardson. And Conor McNamara will head the commentary team, with former Premier League players Andros Townsend, Michael Brown, Brad Friedel, Rob Green and Danny Higginbotham among the notable co-commentators. Club World Cup schedule Sunday, June 22 Group G: Juventus vs. Wydad AC, 12 p.m. ET, (5 p.m. BST) (Philadelphia) Group H: Real Madrid vs. Pachuca, 3 p.m. ET, (8 p.m. BST) (Charlotte) Group H: FC Salzburg vs. Al Hilal, 6 p.m. ET, (11 p.m. BST) (Washington) Group G: Manchester City vs. Al Ain, 9 p.m. ET, (2 a.m. BST) (Atlanta) Monday, June 23 Group B: Atlético Madrid vs. Botafogo, 3 p.m. ET, (8 p.m. BST) (Pasadena) Group B: Seattle Sounders vs. Paris Saint-Germain, 3 p.m. ET, (8 p.m. BST) (Seattle) Group A: Inter Miami vs. Palmeiras, 9 p.m. ET, (2 a.m. BST) (Miami Gardens) Group A: Porto vs. Al Ahly, 9 p.m. ET, (2 a.m. BST) (East Rutherford) Tuesday, June 24 Group C: Benfica vs. Bayern Munich, 3 p.m. ET, (8 p.m. BST) (Charlotte) Group C: Auckland City vs. Boca Juniors, 3 p.m. ET, (8 p.m. BST) (Nashville) Group D: Espérance de Tunis vs. Chelsea, 9 p.m. ET, (2 a.m. BST) (Philadelphia) Group D: LAFC vs. Flamengo, 9 p.m. ET, (2 a.m. BST) (Orlando) Wednesday, June 25 Group F: Borussia Dortmund vs. Ulsan HD, 3 p.m. ET, (8 p.m. BST) (Cincinnati) Group F: Mamelodi Sundowns vs. Fluminense, 3 p.m. ET, (8 p.m. BST) (Miami) Group E: Inter Milan vs. River Plate, 9 p.m. ET, (2 a.m. BST) (Seattle) Group E: Urawa Red Diamonds vs. Monterrey, 9 p.m. ET, (2 a.m. BST) (Pasadena) Thursday, June 26 Group G: Wydad AC vs. Al Ain, 3 p.m. ET, (8 p.m. BST) (Washington) Group G: Juventus vs. Manchester City, 3 p.m. ET, (8 p.m. BST) (Orlando) Group H: Al Hilal vs. Mexico Pachuca, 9 p.m. ET, (2 a.m. BST) (Nashville) Group H: FC Salzburg vs. Real Madrid, 9 p.m. ET, (2 a.m. BST) (Philadelphia) ROUND OF 16 Saturday, June 28 Match 49: Winners of Group A vs. Runners of Group B (Philadelphia) Match 50: Winners of Group C vs. Runners of Group D (Charlotte) Sunday, June 29 Match 51: Winners of Group B vs. Runners of Group A (Atlanta) Match 52: Winners of Group D vs. Runners of Group C (Miami) Monday, June 30 Match 53: Winners of Group E vs. Runners of Group F (Charlotte) Match 54: Winners of Group G vs. Runners of Group H (Orlando) Tuesday, July 1 Match 55: Winners of Group F vs. Runners of Group E (Atlanta) Match 56: Winners of Group H vs. Runners of Group G (Miami) QUARTER-FINALS Friday, July 4 Match 57: Winners of Match 49 vs. Winners of Match 50 (Philadelphia) Match 58: Winners of Match 53 vs. Winners of Match 54 (Orlando) Saturday, July 5 Match 59: Winners of Match 51 vs. Winners of Match 52 (Atlanta) Match 60: Winners of Match 55 vs. Winners of Match 56 (East Rutherford) SEMI-FINALS Tuesday, July 8 Match 61: Winners of Match 57 vs. Winners of Match 58 (East Rutherford) Wednesday, July 9 Match 62: Winners of Match 59 vs. Winners of Match 60 (East Rutherford) FINAL Sunday, July 13
