Oleksandr Gvozdyk wants the unbeaten Albert Ramirez after a Khalil Coe opportunity slipped away. The former WBC and lineal light heavyweight champion (21-2, 17 KOs) says he accepted terms to face Coe - only to see Team Coe pivot to Jesse Hart (31-3, 25 KOs) - and now he’s aiming at Ramirez (22-0, 19 KOs).
Gvozdyk revealed he declined a short-notice offer to fight Ramirez in Benghazi, Libya last week, but only because he wants a full camp. “Albert Ramirez recently fought in Libya… his people approached me three weeks before this fight and offered me to step in,” Gvozdyk said. “Now he has won that fight and, if they really want to fight me, I’m available… Unless they are not so sure and are looking to catch me on short notice.”
Watch Benavidez vs. Gvozdyk highlights: Watch
Ramirez just stopped Jerome Pampellone in seven to claim the WBA Interim title, his third win of the year. With Dmitry Bivol sidelined following back surgery, Ramirez could be upgraded or steered toward an undisputed shot in 2026 - but a first defense against a proven ex-champion like Gvozdyk also makes sense right now.
Bottom line: Gvozdyk wants a date with Ramirez off a proper camp; Ramirez has the belt and momentum. If both sides mean it, the matchup checks every box - names, stakes, and timing - for a meaningful light heavyweight collision.
Image Credit: ESPN