Three weeks after laboring to a 12-round points win over his WBA mandatory challenger Yuniel Dorticos, unified cruiserweight world champion Gilberto "Zurdo" Ramirez on Saturday underwent shoulder surgery to rectify an injury from his June 28 title defense.

Golden Boy, the 34-year-old's promoter, released a statement announcing it was a success while the two-weight world champion received multiple medical opinions.

"After getting three medical opinions and a lot of thinking, I've decided to undergo my shoulder surgery. I've been dealing with this injury since my last fight, and pushing through it just isn't the smart move — for my health or career," Ramirez said.

"Surgery isn't something any fighter wants to hear, but this is the right call to make sure I heal properly and come back at 100%. I'll be out of the ring healing until I'm cleared by my medical team, but I'm already locked in on therapy and the road back."

Ramirez, who unified the WBA/WBO titles after a grueling 12-round decision win over Britain's Chris Billam-Smith in Saudi Arabia on Nov. 16, has been increasingly vocal about plans to achieve undisputed status at 200 pounds after committing to the division in 2023.

Rinh and IBF titlist Jai Opetaia (28-0, 22 KOs) made easy work of his mandatory challenger Claudio Squeo on June 8 and the pair's timeline appeared primed for a collision course — Opetaia and his manager Mick Francis stressed as much.

Yet this news will put a damper on proposed negotiations, at a time where the divisional landscape remains unclear. Badou Jack-Noel Mikaelian 2 has been agreed to after their May 3 matchup, while seven of The Ring's top 10 cruiserweight contenders don't have a fight booked at the time of writing.

Oscar De La Hoya, Golden Boy CEO and chairman, didn't mention a timeline slated for Ramirez's return.

"We wish Zurdo the very best in his recovery and are pleased to hear that his shoulder surgery was successful. At Golden Boy, the health and safety of our fighters is our top priority. We look forward to Zurdo returning at 100 percent, fully recovered and ready to take on the biggest challenges that await him once he's cleared and ready."