By: Sean Crose
WBA light heavyweight player Dmitry Bivol is soaring after beating Canelo Alvarez one and only last spring. However, his next fight won’t be a rematch with boxing’s biggest star. Instead, it will face undefeated former super-middleweight player Gilberto Ramirez, a man widely known in the boxing world as “Zurdo”. It’s a match for sure, it will take place on November 5 at the Etihad Stadium in Abu Dhabi. The match will be broadcast in North America by DAZN streaming service.
“Dmitry Bivol has now secured the heavyweight position following a win over Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez in May and looks set to make a hugely important defense against Mandatory Challenger and former world champion Gilberto Ramirez, ” Promoter Eddie Hearn stated. “The card will be stacked with World Championship matches and is set to be one of the biggest boxing nights in 2022.” Hearn also spoke highly of the location of the battle. “I am delighted to bring this major World Title fight to Abu Dhabi and would like to thank the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi for all their help in making this world class event possible. come true,” he added. “Come November 5 for a world championship boxing night live on DAZN.”
As for the defense of the Bivol title, he looks forward to facing the colorful Ramirez. “The war with Zurdo has been going on for a while, a lot has been talked about,” he said. “We now have the opportunity to care about things by our actions in the ring, not our words outside of the ring.” Ramirez is also excited about the chance to face the highly rated Bivol in the ring.
“I’m happy that the fight is finally out despite all the challenges,” Ramirez said. “It’s been a long time and I’m looking forward to a great night on November 5th. I’ll fight Bivol anywhere – including Mars, but I know we’ll have a great show there. Abu Dhabi. Overall, I am very happy and grateful to WBA, Mr. Gilberto Mendoza and the Golden Boy family for accompanying me.”
Oscar De La Hoya, who drives Ramirez, has made it clear that this is his boxer’s moment to shine. “We are heading to Abu Dhabi,” he said, “and Zurdo will prove he is the best Light-Heavyweight when he takes on Bivol on November 5.”
