WBA light-heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol must make a dangerous defense of his title before claiming a rematch with Canelo Alvarez.
Bivol, who defeated Canelo in Las Vegas in May, is on the cusp of a massive payday with a second fight. However, before then, the Russian must put his strap on the line against mandatory challenger Gilberto Ramirez.
Ramirez currently guards an unreal 44-0 record with 30 stoppages. “Zurdo” has powered through two divisions as a pro and is already a super-middleweight world champion.
Dmitry Bivol callout
For the past eighteen months, Ramirez called out Bivol constantly. Thanks to a WBA ruling, he will soon get his opportunity.
The World Boxing Association (WBA) Championships Committee ordered the fight between the WBA Super Light Heavyweight Champion, Dmitry Bivol, and the number one challenger of the category, Gilberto "Zurdo" Ramirez pic.twitter.com/PT5FIcdiXY
— WBA Boxing (@WBABoxing) July 11, 2022
“The World Boxing Association (WBA) Championships Committee ordered the fight between the WBA Super Light Heavyweight Champion, Dmitry Bivol, and the number one challenger of the category, Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez,” they confirmed.
Beterbiev block
Ramirez only recently announced his intention to stand in the way of any plans for Bivol and Artur Beterbiev to attempt an undisputed unification.
But with Beterbiev lined up to battle Anthony Yarde, nothing is currently standing in the way of Bivol vs Ramirez.
“I appreciate the WBA and believe they will follow the right process,” Ramirez said. “I’m confused about Bivol ducking me. I earned the WBA mandatory challenger position in the ring, not once but twice.
“He’s been talking about fighting me for the last two years. It’s the time!”
Reality
Bivol has previously mentioned Ramirez when discussing a possible fight.
“Gilberto Ramirez is one of the top players in the light heavyweight division. We have talked about this fight for a long time.
“The time has come to make this a reality. We’ve trained together and sparred as well. He is a professional gentleman and a very good boxer.
“He is an ex-world champion who has proven to be one of the best. Fights like this excite fans. This is what boxing is all about, fights that either fighter has a 50-percent chance of being victorious.”
That was eighteen months ago. Now is the time to make the fight a reality.
If Bivol comes through Ramirez, a lucrative return with Canelo will happen in May 2023.
WBN Editor Phil has over ten years of boxing news experience. Follow WBN on Facebook @officialworldboxingnews and Twitter @worldboxingnews.
