One thing is certain: expect a slow, tactical chess match. Yuniel Dorticos, now 39, has never been known for forcing the pace early, and that won’t change now. Gilberto Ramirez also prefers a measured start, taking his time to feel out his opponent before gradually increasing output.

We’ll likely see a lot of long-range boxing, both men working behind straight punches, and few early risks taken.

Gilberto Ramirez (34) is in his physical prime and has even hinted at a future move to heavyweight. Dorticos (39) is clearly past his most active years.

The Cuban has a deep résumé in Cruiserweight, with runs in both WBSS tournaments, fighting Gassiev, Briedis, Tabiti, Masternak, and Kudryashov. Ramirez, on the other hand, built most of his name at Super Middleweight and Light Heavyweight, but has recently found success in Cruiser, becoming a unified titleholder.

Both are highly experienced, but Dorticos has spent more time in this specific division.

Punch volume isn’t the deciding metric here—but it still tells a story.

Ramirez ramps up activity as the fight progresses. His most active rounds are often the 10th, 11th, and 12th. Dorticos starts slower but tends to peak during the middle rounds, after which his output noticeably declines.

This matters because Ramirez’s late-round surge may prove decisive if he can survive Dorticos’s peak phase in the middle of the fight.

A weak point for Dorticos. After losing to Briedis in 2020, he returned with two stoppage wins—each after a year-long layoff. His last break lasted over 18 months. Ramirez fought twice in 2023, defeating both Arsen Goulamirian and Chris Billam-Smith, two reigning champions.

In terms of both activity and quality of opposition, the edge clearly goes to the Mexican.

Ramirez can punch, especially in combination—but he’s not a one-shot knockout artist.

Dorticos, however, very much is. Over 90% of his wins are by KO. He’s riding a three-fight KO streak. And he possesses elite timing, the mark of a true puncher. He’s not fast or high-volume, but if he lands clean, he can end a fight at any moment.

Ramirez has taken shots from bigger men. He was wobbled by Bivol at Light Heavyweight, but stood firm against Billam-Smith at Cruiser. He appears more comfortable at this weight. Dorticos has been dropped—but only by elite punchers like Gassiev. Still, at 39, and facing a volume puncher who builds late pressure, his durability could be tested over time.

Knockouts don’t always come from headshots—accumulated body punishment can do the job too.

Both are new to Anaheim, but Ramirez will have the crowd edge. It’s a short trip from Mexico, and California is home to a massive Mexican fanbase. Ramirez is also one of Mexico’s biggest boxing stars right now. Dorticos will be fighting in enemy territory.

This is a clash of eras. Ramirez is the present of Cruiserweight—fresh, unified, active, and climbing. Dorticos is a vestige of the Usyk generation, an aging former champion who never got his shot at the Ukrainian.

A win would be huge for Dorticos—defeating a Mexican star at 39 would be a tremendous feat, and given his power, not impossible.

But Ramirez has the momentum. He’s just beaten two champions, and with a unification against Jai Opetaia on the horizon, he’ll see Dorticos as a stepping stone—not a wall. The Cuban’s style won’t help prepare him for a slick southpaw like Jai, but it may boost Ramirez’s confidence that he’s ready for the next level.