Home / Sports / Ramirez-Safar Fight Canceled; Benavidez Bout Looms
Ramirez-Safar Fight Canceled; Benavidez Bout Looms
16 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Robin Safar's hand injury postpones his January 16, 2026, title fight.
- Gilberto Ramirez is reportedly set to face David Benavidez in May 2026.
- Safar may pursue fights with Chris Billam-Smith or Ryan Rozicki.
Gilberto Ramirez's planned third cruiserweight title defense against Robin Safar, originally set for January 16, 2026, has been postponed. Safar suffered a hand injury in November, making the January date unfeasible. While a February rebooking is possible, both fighters are open to pursuing alternative matchups.
The postponement allows Ramirez to maintain focus on a highly anticipated bout against David Benavidez, a champion at light heavyweight. This potential May 2026 clash would be for Ramirez's WBA and WBO cruiserweight titles, with Benavidez stepping up in weight.
Meanwhile, the No. 4-ranked WBO light heavyweight contender, Safar, has his own contingency plans, expressing interest in facing former champion Chris Billam-Smith or Ryan Rozicki. Fans hoping for a unification bout between Ramirez and Jai Opetaia remain disappointed, as Ramirez prioritizes the Benavidez fight.
