Abu Dhabi To Host Colossal Championship Showdown Between Dmitry Bivol & Zurdo Ramirez On November 5

Fans in The Middle East will be treated to a Bonanza championship fight as Dmitry Bivol defends his WBA crown against the man who holds a fictional record of 44-0, Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez.

This past May, Dmitry Bivol scored one of the most monumental wins in recent championship history when he dethroned the former pound-for-pound king, Saul Alvarez, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

On the other hand, Mexico’s Gilberto Ramirez has been defending his #1 seat in the WBA rankings against lesser oppositions.

Even though Zurdo has what some might label a padded record, his size and southpaw stance will indisputably pose plenty of stylistic trials for the Russian.

Here’s a valid question regarding the timing of the fight: did Bivol’s last win against Canelo made him look better than he really is?

Well, one thing is for sure; if Dmitry Bivol attempts to replicate the gameplan he implemented against Canelo with Ramirez, he will be in a world of trouble.

Yes, Bivol looked exceptional in his bout against Canelo. However, Canelo’s short reach (70in), height(5’9), and slow feet certainly made the job easier for the Russian. On the other hand, Ramirez is an intense 6 foot 3 southpaw with a 75-inch reach. In the faceoffs, both men looked like they were two divisions apart.

When it comes to comparing both men’s resumes, unquestionably, Bivol has the more impressive strength of schedule heading into his title defence. That said, the Russian has never faced anyone who possesses the size and power Zurdo has. If anything, both men have been facing blown-up super middleweights in their last few fights. But styles make fights, and Zurdo’s size and relentless pressure might very well suffocate the champion in the heat of the dunes.

Not many might know, but Zurdo and Bivol actually sparred countless rounds in California ahead of their last few fights. From the rumblings circulating in the boxing community, many claim that Zurdo outclassed Bivol in most of their sparring sessions. That being said, sparring is sparring. Under the bright lights, many with unmeasurable potential folded under the pressure of lights, cameras, and action.

The contrast of styles makes this mouthwatering clash must-see TV. Bivol has the hype and momentum on his side from his last win against Canelo Alvarez. But in all actuality, there’s a clip of Zurdo Ramirez dominating Canelo in a sparring session. Again, sparring is sparring. However, that shows that both men are too big for Alvarez, but Bivol will be significantly outsized in this one.

When it comes to power, you must think that Zurdo will be the man with the bigger calibre gun in the fight. However, when it comes to constant movement, Bivol easily has the best footwork in the entire division.

If Zurdo Ramirez manages to pull this one off, you might as well ship a rocket to the moon with a Mexican flag on it. On the other hand, If Bivol successfully defends his throne, he will be in line for an undisputed showdown against the most avoided man in the sport, Artur Beterbiev.