Gilberto Ramirez: Bivol Doesn’t Have Weaknesses, But I’m Going To Become Champion

Gilberto Ramirez will face the toughest test of his 13-year career when he takes on WBA light heavyweight titleholder Dmitry Bivol on Nov. 5 at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on DAZN.

The 31-year-old Ramirez (44-0, 30 KOs), from Mazatlan, Mexico, is a former super middleweight champion who wants to begin a new reign in a new weight class. 

If “Zurdo’s” previous five fights at 175 pounds – all knockouts – are any indication of his potential against Bivol (20-0, 11 KOs), then the Russian should be in store for an uneasy night for his first fight back since soundly defeating Canelo Alvarez via unanimous decision in May. 

“This opportunity means everything to me. This is the opportunity that I have been waiting so long for. I am going to become a world champion again, and it’s a great feeling for me,” Ramirez told BoxingScene.com in an interview. 

“I expect for Dmitry to bring everything that he has, his power. It’s a good challenge for me. I think the fans will love it. I don’t really see any weaknesses in him. Mentally, I have to be ready for this fight. And I’m ready.” 

Ramirez maneuvered his way to a bout against Bivol by fighting his way to becoming the WBA mandatory challenger. 

A purse bid between Matchroom Boxing and Golden Boy Promotions was ultimately canceled in August after both promoters struck a deal. 

Ramirez has been signed with Oscar De La Hoya since February 2021. 

Ramirez – then promoted by Top Rank – beat Arthur Abraham in 2016 to become a WBO world titleholder. 

Ramirez defended his title five times – including twice against Jesse Hart – before vacating the crown to continue his career at 175 pounds in 2019. 

At light heavyweight, Ramirez has beaten the likes of Yunieski Gonzalez and Sullivan Barrera, among others. 

Manouk Akopyan is a sports journalist, writer and broadcast reporter. He’s also a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America and MMA Journalists Association. He can be reached on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube at @ManoukAkopyan, via email at manouk[dot]akopyan[at]gmail.com or on www.ManoukAkopyan.com.