By: Sean Crose
This one probably isn’t bad at all – as long as it’s broken. The World Boxing Organization has ordered light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol to fight confident and undefeated number one Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez. The good news here is that Bivol is represented by Matchroom, while Ramirez is represented by Golden Boy – and both organizations have a contract with that DAZN streaming service, a fact that should (“should” be the word) works here) makes this fight easy to do. Each gladiator’s camps have until August 10 to make this match a reality or it will raise money, meaning the highest bidder – whoever it is – will get to promote the match.
Of course, Bivol 20-0 is on the rise after beating Canelo Alvarez in May. Canelo managed to snag Bivol’s WBA strap, but was simply beaten by the perennial title list. Needless to say, the win has resonated throughout the sport. Canelo had a rematch clause with Bivol, but decided to fight his third fight with arch-rival Gennady Golovkin first. Without a doubt, Bivol would welcome any opportunity to face Canelo again, not the two major roadblocks standing in the way: Golovkin and Ramirez. If Canelo or Bivol fail to their rivalry for talent, the chances of a rematch between the two will obviously decrease.
No doubt 44-0 Ramirez is delighted with the opportunity in front of him. Defeating the one who defeated Canelo will be a hat to him. It will also give the experienced Mexican a second world title, as he already holds the WBC super middleweight belt. Both he and Bivol are 31 years old, which arguably in this day and age means they are at their peak. Stylistically, Zurdo has developed a habit of firing men. None of his last five opponents made it to the final round. Bivol, on the other hand, is a walking and talking skill set. Make no mistake about it, the Russians are some of the most effective trainers in the sport today.
There could be some huge things ahead for the winner here. Canelo promoter Eddie Hearn has made it clear that his boxer wants another crack at Bivol after his fight with Golovkin this fall. However, if Ramirez removes Bivol from his WBC belt, it is possible that Ramirez will be the one Canelo has eyes on after Golovkin.
