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Eddie Hearn marked the Dmitry Bivol vs Gilbert “Zurdo” Ramirez world title fight in Abu Dhabi later this year as a “historic moment” for Matchroom Boxing and the Emirates, with more high-profile world title fights planned.
Abu Dhabi to host on 5th November light heavyweight clash The fight between champion Bivor and mandatory challenger Ramirez at the Etihad Arena marked the start of elite-level boxing in the capital.
The fight brought together two undefeated boxers and represented the first of a new “Champion Series” partnership between the Ministry of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and Matchroom.
Speaking at the launch on Yas Island on Wednesday, Hearn, Chairman of Matchroom Sport, said: “This is a historic moment for Abu Dhabi and DCT and Matchroom Boxing as we build a global, high A level long-term partnership.-Introduction to the world championship fight.
“I believe November 5th will be the start of such an exciting future for Abu Dhabi to become a global sports hub. It’s an iconic moment.
“We’re committed to building long-term partnerships with great partners and great people. You’ve seen it in the NBA, UFC – [UFC president] Dana White and the team have a low opinion of everyone involved in their relationship with Abu Dhabi.
“For us as a business, this is just the beginning of a new world of boxing in the Middle East and Abu Dhabi.”
31-year-old Bivor is about to leave successful defense In May, he won by unanimous decision against pound-for-pound No. 1 Saul “Canelo” Alvarez in Las Vegas. The Russians are 20-0 (11 knockouts).
Ramirez, meanwhile, is a former WBO super middleweight champion who has won all five fights since reaching 175 pounds. He is 44-0 (30 KOs).
Hearn confirmed on Wednesday that the November 5 card will also feature IBF World Super Featherweight Champions Joe Cordina and Shavkat Dron Rakhimov, while Chantelle Cameron And Jessica McCaskill will fight for the undisputed super featherweight title.
On Bivol-Ramirez, Hearn said: “These are the kind of fights we need to see. It’s also an incredible hole card.”
Bivor, who was sitting next to Hearn, agreed with the matchroom chief that Ramirez posed a major test, saying: “Yeah, maybe it’s one of the toughest fights of my career. That’s what I think before every fight, it’s just that I focus on it.
“I’m very happy to be defending my title in Abu Dhabi. I’ve heard it’s the first time someone has defended their world title in Abu Dhabi – it’s great to be number one in every way and I hope it won’t be the last time. Someone defending the title of world champion Abu Dhabi.
“I wanted this fight for a long time, I knew he wanted this fight for a long time. Now it’s going to happen. I’m happy.
“He’s a good fighter. I love the challenge, I love fighting the guy who played 44 games, he’s bigger and taller than me. It’s a big challenge for me and I hope it’s going to be A wonderful evening of November 5th.”
Ramirez, who is stationed not far from Bivor, said: “I’m very happy to be in Abu Dhabi, it’s my first time here. I feel at home because the same weather is where I’m from. – hot and humid. This is perfect for me.
“I’m looking forward to being a two-time world champion on November 5th. It’s going to be a great night, an exciting fight for everyone; even for me, I can’t wait for this It’s a fight. I’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time. We’re going to put on a great show for all the fans, for Abu Dhabi.”
Regarding Bivol, Ramirez said: “He’s one of the best 175s. He hits [Canelo], one of the best and one of the greatest in boxing. Congratulations to him. It was a great night for Bivol, but what can I tell you? 44 wins means 44 losses. “
Hearn said the partnership with Abu Dhabi aims to leave a long-term legacy in boxing in the UAE.
“It’s about bringing a huge elite sport to Abu Dhabi, but it’s also about developing boxing in this country,” he said. “We will have plans in place to make sure the sport is built from the ground up.
“We love working with people who can form long-term partnerships, we can provide them with great events, and we can change the face of sport in their country. We look forward to doing that in Abu Dhabi for the next few years.”
Updated: August 31, 2022 5:17pm
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