Albert Ramirez (22-0, 19 KOs) will defend his interim WBA light heavyweight title against British contender Lerrone Richards (19-1, 4 KOs) on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at the Cabaret du Casino de Montreal. The 12-round main event, broadcast on the Punching Grace platform, finally brings the two together after a medical emergency involving Ramirez forced a cancellation in February. The Venezuelan southpaw currently holds an 86% knockout rate and is ranked #4 by Ring Magazine.
Camille Estephan, President of Eye of the Tiger, aims to position the winner for a shot at divisional leaders like Bivol or Beterbiev. While Ramirez possesses the power, Richards brings the reputation of a technical former IBO champion whose only loss came against Steed Woodall. Richards has previously defeated skilled opponents like Carlos Gongora and Giovanni De Carolis, though he carries a significantly lower knockout percentage of 21%.
The Montreal undercard features a heavy light heavyweight presence. Imam Khataev (11-1, 10 KOs) defends his NABF Light Heavyweight Title against Mickael Diallo (21-2-2, 18 KOs). Rising super lightweight Jhon Orobio (17-0, 15 KOs) faces Jonathan Montrel (19-4, 13 KOs), while Dzmitry Asanau (12-0, 6 KOs) meets Roger Gutierrez (29-7-1, 22 KOs) in a lightweight contest. Other scheduled bouts include Avery Martin Duval against Jose Rodolfo Macias Enriquez and Wyatt Sanford versus Juan Pablo Ilharregui.
Zuffa Boxing makes Bournemouth debut with Billam-Smith
Zuffa Boxing will host its first-ever United Kingdom event on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at the Bournemouth International Centre (BIC). Chris Billam-Smith headlines the 10-round cruiserweight card against Canadian Ryan Rozicki. The event signals a significant expansion for the promotion, with the main card airing on Paramount+ in the United States and Sky Sports in the UK starting at 7:00 p.m. BST.
The domestic supporting bill is led by a middleweight clash between Lee Cutler (15-2, 7 KOs) and Aaron Sutton (19-2, 3 KOs). Stephen McKenna (15-1, 14 KOs) is set for an eight-round middleweight bout against Casey James Streeter, while Sam Hickey (4-0, 1 KO) takes on Todd Tompkins. Such high-stakes local matchups are becoming more common as boxing experiences a renewed era of global investment and broadcast competition.
The preliminary portion of the Zuffa Boxing card features heavyweight Harvey Dykes against Ivan Dychko in a 10-round fight. Light heavyweight Leon Hughes will face Mario Vergiev, and middleweight Alex MacMillan is scheduled to fight Tyler Rivers. These early bouts are expected to begin at roughly 12:00 p.m. ET (5:00 p.m. BST), providing a full afternoon of action leading into the Billam-Smith main event.
Sheffield hosts Padley vs. Fiaz domestic clash
In Sheffield, the Utilita Arena will play host to a lightweight battle between Josh Padley (18-1, 6 KOs) and Aqib Fiaz (14-1, 2 KOs) on Saturday, June 6. This DAZN-broadcasted event adds to a packed weekend for British boxing. Both fighters are looking to rebound and establish themselves in the competitive 135-pound landscape, where rankings can shift quickly following clear decision wins.
This match-up alongside the broader schedule mirrors recent movements in the WBA and IBF, where vacant straps and elevated titles have created pathways for new contenders. For Padley and Fiaz, a win on a major platform like DAZN is essential for securing future television dates and moving toward European title eligibility. The card is set to be a focal point for viewing parties as far away as Miami.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can fans watch the Ramirez vs. Richards fight?
The Albert Ramirez vs. Lerrone Richards bout will be available and streamed live via the Punching Grace platform. The broadcast is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. ET (3:30 p.m. PT) on Thursday, June 4, originating from the Cabaret du Casino de Montreal in Quebec, Canada.
What are the main events for the Zuffa Boxing UK card?
The primary attraction for Zuffa Boxing’s Bournemouth debut is Chris Billam-Smith vs. Ryan Rozicki in a 10-round cruiserweight fight. The main card also features Lee Cutler against Aaron Sutton and Stephen McKenna vs. Casey James Streeter, reflecting the promotion’s focus on competitive middleweight matchups.
What was the reason for the original Ramirez fight postponement?
The bout was originally set for February 5, 2026, but was called off less than 24 hours before the opening bell. Albert Ramirez was hospitalized for a medical issue initially suspected to be appendicitis; however, medical professionals later confirmed it was a different condition, allowing for his return this June.
