Goulamirian vs Ramirez Predictions: ‘Zurdo’ targets the title

WBA cruiserweight champion Arsen Goulamirian makes the fifth defence of his title this weekend when he takes on Gilberto Ramirez. This intriguing 12-rounder takes place on Saturday March 30 at the YouTube Theater in Glendale, Arizona. DAZN will broadcast this 200-pound attraction. Here are my Goulamirian vs Ramirez predictions ahead of a thrilling world title match-up.

Goulamirian is something of an enigma in the boxing world. The Frenchman has been the WBA cruiserweight champion since 2018, initially being recognised as the ‘regular’ champion before being upgraded to ‘super’ status in 2019. But in a reign that is entering its sixth year, he has defended the belt just four times. 

In 27 fights, he has only fought outside France on a single occasion. Apart from Ryad Merhy, who he defeated for the WBA crown, every other fighter on his resume would likely count fighting Goulamirian as the peak of a rather ordinary career. He is one of the longest-reigning world champions in boxing, but has achieved this feat quietly and with little fuss.

Ramirez is a far more recognisable name to the average fan. The man they call ‘Zurdo’ is a former WBO super middleweight champion, winning that title from Arthur Abraham and defending it five times. Ramirez never lost the title in the ring. Instead, the Mexican vacated it to campaign at light heavyweight. 

Ramirez won five on the bounce at his new weight, including victories over Tommy Karpency and Sullivan Barrera, before succumbing to WBA light heavyweight king Dmitry Bivol. There is no shame in that, given that the Russian champion would go on to beat pound-for-pound leader Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez. 

‘Zurdo’ debuted at cruiserweight with an excellent win over former WBO champion Joe Smith Jr last October. Now he steps up to championship level in search of that elusive world title at a second weight.

It is a brave jump. You don’t win a world title by accident, nor do you retain it four times without being a considerable talent. For all Goulamirian’s shortcomings, he occupies his current place in the boxing landscape on merit. But make no mistake, Ramirez is the greatest threat to his standing so far.

The greatest obstacle in Ramirez’s way is the weight. While impressive against Smith last time out, it should be noted that both men were making their cruiserweight debuts. Goulamirian is a career 200-pounder. Will his comfort at cruiser play a factor here?

I’m not overly concerned. He wore the pounds well against Smith and was actually far more active in terms of punch output than he had been against Bivol. I feel like his engine will hold up, while Goulamirian doesn’t possess the sort of power to trouble him.

Ramirez’s own whack is still a question two divisions up from where he held his world title. Given the fact Smith managed to stay with him, I’m backing Goulamirian to do the same. But I don’t think it’ll be enough to save his title. I’m picking ‘Zurdo’ to win via decision at 11/10. He has cut his teeth at a higher level, despite the Frenchman’s lengthy title reign. I feel like that will show on fight night.