Bivol vs. Ramirez: Abu Dhabi Showdown
Reigning light-heavyweight world champion Dmitry Bivol will defend his title in an awaited clash against latest challenger Gilberto Ramirez in Abu Dhabi.
After overcoming Canelo Alvarez in his last title defence, Bivol looks to finish his year off with a second consecutive victory over another Mexican rival.
The undefeated champion could be in line for Fighter of the Year honours with success in the UAE, while ‘Zurdo’ is hoping to become a two-division ruler.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of a massive showdown between two unbeaten fighters in Abu Dhabi.
BIVOL VS. RAMIREZ FIGHT DETAILS
Fight: Dmitry Bivol vs. Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez
Titles: WBA Light-Heavyweight title
Date: Saturday, November 5th
Main Event Time: Approx. 10PM BST
Live On: DAZN
Location: The Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi
Undercard:
Chantelle Cameron vs. Jessica McCaskill
Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov vs. Zelfa Barrett
Galal Yafai vs. Gohan Rodriguez Garcia
Khalid Yafai vs. Jerald Paclar
Aqib Fiaz vs. Diego Valtierra
BIVOL VS. RAMIREZ FIGHT PREVIEW
Bivol’s light-heavyweight title reign has been ongoing since 2017 and the 20-0 champion had become somewhat of an under-appreciated and underrated fighter before handing Canelo his second career defeat.
Back in May of this year, Bivol took to the ring as a surprising underdog to many observers but he outboxed and outclassed the Mexican to continue his impressive reign.
The WBA title holder finally shot to more widespread prominence with that victory over boxing’s biggest box office attraction in Las Vegas.
Next up is another Mexican challenger but a different type of threat to his crown. Ramirez may be jumping up divisions from being a super-middleweight world champion but he is the larger fighter for this mandatory meeting.
His massive frame and ring skills from a southpaw stance will make for an intriguing style match-up against Bivol on Yas Island.
‘Zurdo’ made history back in 2016 when he comfortably outpointed Arthur Abraham to become the first-ever super-middleweight world champion from Mexico.
Since then he has gone 44-0 and now seeks to add the light-heavyweight title to his collection with a career-best victory over Bivol.
While Bivol has shut down any potential rematch Canelo next year, the biggest fight that lies on the horizon is a showdown for all the belts against unified champion Artur Beterbiev.
That prosperous undisputed clash could be up for grabs for whoever has their hand raised this weekend, as unbeaten rivals Bivol and Ramirez finally collide in Abu Dhabi.
Header image: Matchroom Boxing
