By Jim Calfa: Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez is super motivated for his title challenge against WBA light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol on November 5th on DAZN at the Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Ramirez, 31, has slowly been ramping up for this title challenge since moving up to the 175-lb division in 2019 after reigning as the WBO 168-lb champion for three years.
The Golden Boy promoted Zurdo Ramirez (44-0, 30 KOs) and intends to take full advantage of this opportunity by unseating the unbeaten Bivol (20-0, 11 KOs).
It won’t be easy, though; Bivol looked sensational in his last fight, schooling superstar Canelo Alvarez in an impressive 12 round unanimous decision last May.
According to conventional wisdom, Ramirez needs to knock out Bivol to get the victory because he won’t outbox him due to his technical skills.
“He has everything I wanted, and that’s why I’m training so hard. I want to take everything that he has,” said Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez to Fighthype about his desire to beat Dmitry Bivol.
“I want the belt; I want to become undisputed. I will for sure, but I need to put on a great show and a great performance to pass through this guy.
“He’s a great champion, and he’s had the best for a long time. I like the footwork that he has and the way he moves.
“As a fighter, you have to fight anyone, the best with the best, and I want to give the fans the fight that they deserve, and they ask for,” said Zurdo Ramirez when told that Canelo Alvarez doesn’t want to fight Mexican fighters.
“I think as a fighter, we have to fight the best against the best. If we want to be a legend and make history. [It takes] away opportunities for other Mexicans.
“I don’t think he’s afraid to fight anyone. We don’t feel afraid. We enjoy to share the ring with a good fighter, but I don’t know. I still want to fight against the best and continue to make history.
“It’s going to be a great fight and a great night for Canelo,” said Ramirez about Canelo’s trilogy match against Gennadiy Golovkin on September 17th.
“I hope he beats GGG because, as a Mexican, my heart is with Canelo. They know each other really well. They fought twice already,” said Ramirez.
