WBA interim titleholder Albert Ramirez (22-0, 19 KOs) was hospitalized with suspected appendicitis and declared 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, and therefore it was the decision that had to be made.” Medical withdrawals late in fight week usually trigger venue and broadcast clauses, allowing promoters to focus on keeping a twelve-round headliner that meets the occasion.
Mehmet Unal (14-0, 12 KOs) now meets European champion Altin Zogaj (17-0, 9 KOs) with the WBC Continental belt on hold and evaluators watching closely. Ranked ninth by the WBC, Unal enters his second defense with main event exposure that often affects knockout placement. Zogaj brings a recognized European credential that travels during sanctions review, creating pressure on both camps to secure position within a division where activity shapes opportunities.
The co-feature has 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 in the IBF, so continued activity keeps him in line with 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 featherweight debut, a move that often reflects rehydration math and durability planning. Wyatt Sanford (5-0, 2 KOs) takes on 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, which takes 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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