By: Sean Crose
“I’m ready to bring that belt back to Mexico,” said Gilbert “Zurdo” Ramirez ES . News on the eve of his WBA heavyweight title fight with Dmitry Bivol, “to avenge Mexico.” Naturally, the defending champion Bivol stunned a lot of people last spring when he defeated Canelo Alvarez in the Mexican legend’s attempt to once again jump up the weight division to claim a light heavyweight title. other. Unlike Canelo, 44-0 Ramirez has been regularly kicking around light heavyweight for over three years. “This is the fight I deserve,” he said of Saturday’s scheduled battle against Bivol in Abu Dhabi.
Zurdo made it clear in the short interview that Bivol 20-0 is not an easy opponent to play. Finally, Bivol made Zurdo’s compatriot the best Canelo last spring in decisive style. “He’s a good fighter,” Zurdo admitted. “He was a great match and he beat one of the greatest in boxing.” Ramirez, 31, has made it clear that he sees this match as the opportunity of a lifetime. “After this war,” he said, “everyone will know me.” Zurdo also made it clear that he is delighted that he is facing a real test in what is sure to be the biggest match of his career so far. “He hit very hard,” said the title guard’s Zurdo. “He is a smart guy…. I like it because he’s one of the most competitive fighters in the 175-pound category.”
As a heavyweight like Bivol, Zurdo hasn’t lost his sense of humour. “I’m handsome,” he said when asked what advantage he has over Bivol, before adding: “I think I’m smart in the ring too.” Zurdo has certainly proven smart in the ring so far. He’s won a world title and is now going one second. Zurdo points out that it’s important for him that his career has real value. “We have to have a legacy,” he said. He will certainly add to that legacy if he beats Bivol this Saturday.
However, Bivol is looking to cement a legacy of its own, and – like Zurdo – has never tasted failure. In fact, Bivol’s impressive wins outstrip Canelo’s. Joe Smith Jr, Jean Pascal, Isaac Chilemba and Sullivan Barrera have all lost to Bivol in the ring. This weekend may not showcase the most high-profile match of 2022, but it will certainly introduce one of the die-hard fans that might be interested.
