Dmitry Bivol aims to prove a cheap talk with ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez in Abu Dhabi title race

Dmitry Bivor says he doesn’t care about Gilberto “Zuldo” Ramirez’s upbeat comments ahead of historic world title race in Abu Dhabi in November – he just adds , he will “do his best” to beat his opponent and keep his belt.

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The 31-year-old undefeated Russian puts his WBA light heavyweight title on the line in a headline bout at the Etihad Arena on November 5. The first “Championship Series” event signed recently Between the Ministry of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and famous for promoting matchbox boxing.The two entities announced a long-term partnership last week, marking the Abu Dhabi begins hosting major boxing events.

Bivol-Ramirez is a high-profile duel to launch a partnership against two other undefeated fighters. Bivor, who defended his claimed title for the ninth time nearly five years ago, has yet to taste defeat in 20 career games (11 knockouts), while Ramirez is in 44 appearances (30). times KO) was not defeated.

Bivol takes part in the most popular competition in May Retained his crown against pound-for-pound No. 1 Saul “Canelo” Alvarezwhen he unanimously decided to win in Las Vegas.

That didn’t stop Ramirez from talking about his own upset, however, with the Mexican shouting at Bivor for a while. A former WBO super middleweight champion, Ramirez is 5-0 as he increases to 175 pounds, with all five victories coming by knockout. His victory over Dominic Bothell in May elevated Ramirez to the WBA’s mandatory challenger.

“He talks too much,” Bivor told National“Never mind, I was just thinking, why is he talking so much? We just have to fight. It’s not good for people who talk, talk, talk.

“But we’re all different. I try to just focus on his boxing skills, I try to just think about the fight and not think about him as a person, whether he’s a good guy or a bad guy. It doesn’t matter. He’s a fighter; he’s on Nov. 5 The sun is my enemy.”

For many who rank among the top 10 best pound-for-pound men’s boxers in the world, Biwall said he was looking forward to the challenge Ramirez offered, with a much bigger body. Ramirez, who reportedly weighed 204 pounds, won in a fourth-round victory over Bothell.

However, belief in the Bivol camp is high, especially after the win over Canelo Alvarez four months ago.

“Of course, I’m confident now,” Bivor said. “But I had confidence before. I haven’t changed much inside of me for that. My confidence depends on my training, on my coach, who will tell me whether I’m good or bad in sparring – that’s It means a lot to me.

“I’m glad I got a fight shortly after the Canelo fight. I’m glad I have a good opponent. He has a lot of experience. He’s not your average boxer, he’s taller and bigger than your average boxer. Big. He’s left-handed. So it’s an interesting fight for me.

“Every fight is dangerous for me. Because every fighter has some merit. He has it too. We’ll see if it’s dangerous. We’ll see how the fight goes. Will try to take advantage of his size.”

Bivor should expect most of the support at the Etihad Arena due to its proximity to his hometown, which he said could be good or bad for him.

“It’s a little harder for me, maybe more responsibility, but I’ll try to just focus on the fight,” he said. “I have to use it to my advantage. I have to use everything to my advantage.

“Even when I played Canelo, everyone supported him and I saw it as my strength. I tried to see everything in my favor and it helped me.”

If Bivol beats Ramirez, it seems certain Rematch with Alvarez next year – likely in Abu Dhabi – Or an undisputed bout with unified light heavyweight champion Artur Beitbiev, will be next.

However, Bivor stressed that he was not ignoring his upcoming opponent, saying: “Every time I fight, I just focus on that. Of course, I have a great plan in my head: I want to be the best in the world. Good fighter, I want to get more belts. But right now I’m in a big fight with a good fighter. I try to just focus on November 5th.”

On such an important occasion in the capital, Bivor said: “Of course I’m delighted that I can be the main event of this historic night. I believe I’m the first fighter to defend his title in Abu Dhabi. It’s great. I’m looking forward to it. Demonstrating my skills in Abu Dhabi for the entire United Arab Emirates.”

As for what fans can expect on November 5, he added: “I don’t know. God only knows what’s going to happen. But I’ll do my best to make people happy to see this fight.

“I will do everything I can to keep my belt, beat my opponents and make all my fans happy.”

Updated: September 6, 2022 2:53 AM