The World Boxing Association (WBA) Championships Committee has ordered a fight between Cruiserweight Champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramírez and mandatory challenger Yuniel Dorticos.

The pioneering organization sent the communication to both fighters’ teams this Thursday, January 16, ordering the bout between the Mexican and the Cuban with a 30-day negotiation period, which will end on February 15.

WBA Championship Rule C.12 states that the champion must defend the title against the leading available challenger within 120 days of winning the title. In Ramírez’s case, he won the title on March 30, 2024, and his mandatory defense period has been overdue since July 29, 2024. Therefore, his next fight must be against Dorticos.

The Championships Committee has granted the regulatory period for both teams to reach an agreement. If no agreement is reached within this period, or if one of the parties refuses to sign the deal, the organization will call a purse bid under WBA regulations.