Attempts by Dmitry Bivol to avoid a mandatory fight with 44-0, Gilberto Ramirez faced a block by the World Boxing Association.
The long chase is over for WBA mandatory “Zurdo,” or it appears that way after nearly two years.
Dmitry Bivol
World Boxing Association (WBA) chiefs recently ordered Dmitry Bivol (20-0, 11 KOs), the reigning light heavyweight champion, to fight the mandatory challenger next.
Ramirez had won not one but two title eliminators. He knocked out Yunieski Gonalez. Then in his last fight, stopping the previous WBA No. 1 contender Dominic Boesel (32-3) in four rounds.
In the process, he formally becomes the official WBA light heavyweight mandatory challenger for Bivol.
The WBA has now stopped attempts for Bivol to fight Joshua Buatsi of the United Kingdom.
Exemption
“Bivol’s champion period is conditioned to a term of 24 months. His last mandatory fight was March 2018 [eight fights ago vs. Sulivan Barrera in Bivol’s first title defense]
“His next was to be after March 2020,” Carlos Chavez, chairman of the WBA Championship Committee, explained in a letter to the two teams.
“For that reason, he must face Ramirez. If they do not reach an agreement in the given time, or any of the parties refuse to do so, the WBA will have the right to call the fight a purse bid.”
The WBA gave the two sides until August 10th to consummate a deal to avoid a WBA purse bid hearing.
Gilberto Ramirez
“I always hear things here and there,” Ramirez said, “but I’m in this position for a reason. The WBA is a tremendous organization.
“I believe the right process will prevail. Unlike others, I take pride in my craft. And I will always want to face the best in real life. Not just speak of it like other champions.”
No sooner had the WBA informed all concerned parties than Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn had announced his intentions to seek a way out.
Along with Bivol’s manager Vadim Kornilov, Hearn was quoted as reportedly planning to request an exception from the WBA to allow Bivol to make a voluntary defense against No. 2 rated Joshua Buatsi in October.
He then wanted the winner to face “Zurdo.”
Bivol vs Ramirez
Ramirez’s manager David Suh of 3 Point Management, is not onboard.
“I’ve heard some stuff, but I don’t really pay too much attention to the garbage,” said Suh.
“At the end of the day, we are grateful for the opportunity and have complete faith in the process.
“The WBA and Mr. Gilberto Mendoza have been great to us, and we look forward to getting this done.”
It looks as though Bivol vs Ramirez is next, whether the Champion and his team like it or not.
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