The WBA interim titleholder Albert Ramirez (22-0, 19 KOs) was hospitalized with suspected appendicitis and ruled medically unfit, forcing promoters to cancel the bout with Lerrone Richards and restructure the card at the Casino de Montréal.
Promoter Camille Estephan said, “This is a heartbreaking decision for us, for boxing fans, and especially for Albert, who was absolutely determined to fight despite everything. However, it is our responsibility as promoters to protect the health of our athletes, which is why this was the decision that had to be made.” Medical withdrawals late in fight week usually activate venue and broadcast clauses, leaving promoters focused on preserving a twelve-round headliner that keeps the event compliant.
Mehmet Unal (14-0, 12 KOs) now meets European champion Altin Zogaj (17-0, 9 KOs) with the WBC Continental belt attached and evaluators watching closely. Ranked ninth by the WBC, Unal enters his second defense with main-event exposure that often influences eliminator placement. Zogaj brings a recognized European credential that travels during sanctioning review, creating pressure on both camps to secure position inside a division where activity shapes opportunity.
The co-feature holds similar ranking relevance as Dzmitry Asanau (11-0, 5 KOs) defends the WBC Continental lightweight title against Carlos Ramos (18-3-1, 10 KOs). Asanau already holds the No. 4 WBC position and No. 11 with the IBF, so continued activity keeps him aligned for title-eliminator traffic.
Thomas Chabot (11-1, 7 KOs) meets Dominic Babineau (13-2-1, 11 KOs) in Chabot’s first ten-round assignment and his debut at featherweight, a move that often reflects rehydration math and durability planning. Wyatt Sanford (5-0, 2 KOs) faces Alexis Gabriel Camejo (10-5-2, 1 KO), while Keven Beausejour (1-0, 1 KO) and Dante Tice (1-0) round out the card.
The #UnalZogaj event, taking place on February 5, will be presented to a sold-out crowd. The action will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Casino de Montréal and will be broadcast in its entirety on Punching Grace.
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Last Updated on 02/04/2026
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