Dmitry Bivol vs. Gilberto Ramirez | DAZN - November 5, 2022

[brilo33]

bivol didnt have it tough vs richards at all, he won like 9 rounds and then coasted the last few. that's how he fights. when someone doesnt push him hard he's content to do the minimum

if bivol legitimately had a tough time with richards there's no way he would've beaten alvarez

not saying he had it tough, but it was more akward,tying up no real flow to it, and i would amuse gilberto will be the home town fighter stuff like that will go in his favour, gilberto needs this fight he doesnt have that name on his record he has beat

[Ruthless-RKO]

[Ruthless-RKO]

Why is this fight taking place in UAE?

They paid a nice site fee or something?

Wouldn’t this have sold better in US.

Maybe California, Vegas even.

Bivol just beat boxing #1 in the States.

[apollo creed]

Due of the crisis of oil and gas, those rich sheikhs from middle east arab countries become even more richer. So, more money on the table is the answer.

[margaret thatcher]

nice fight! i dont care where it happens as long as it happens

[gregregegg]

Why is this fight taking place in UAE?

They paid a nice site fee or something?

Wouldn’t this have sold better in US.

Maybe California, Vegas even.

Bivol just beat boxing #1 in the States.

UAE seems to be used as a home fight for Russians, when Russia isn’t possible (or profitable).

Khabib and his guys fought there a bit in ufc.

It’s the same Timezone as Moscow. And I Think it’s in part the Muslim connection? But I don’t know completely why. (Also don’t know bivols religion)

[Ruthless-RKO]

Why is this fight taking place in UAE?

They paid a nice site fee or something?

Wouldn’t this have sold better in US.

Maybe California, Vegas even.

Bivol just beat boxing #1 in the States.

UAE seems to be used as a home fight for Russians, when Russia isn’t possible (or profitable).

Khabib and his guys fought there a bit in ufc.

It’s the same Timezone as Moscow. And I Think it’s in part the Muslim connection? But I don’t know completely why. (Also don’t know bivols religion)

Yeh I always assumed Khabib fought in UAE because it was a Muslim country and he had a big following.

Tbh, they could have had Khabib vs. Anyone at the o2 Arena in London and it would have sold out.

Bivol is Russian Orthodox.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Dmitry Bivol to defend WBA light heavyweight title against Gilberto Ramirez on Nov. 5 in UAE

Dmitry Bivol and Gilberto "Zurdo" Ramirez have agreed to a deal for a WBA light heavyweight title fight that will take place Nov. 5 in the United Arab Emirates, the organization announced.

The rights to the fight were scheduled to be auctioned off at a purse bid on Sunday afternoon before the deal was struck.

Bivol (20-0, 11 KOs) is coming off an upset win over Canelo Alvarez in May to retain his 175-pound title. The 31-year-old Russian is ESPN's No. 2 light heavyweight and No. 8 pound-for-pound boxer.

Ramirez (44-0, 30 KOs) is a former super middleweight titleholder now campaigning at light heavyweight. Through five fights at 175 pounds, the 31-year-old Mexican has shown off a far more aggressive style -- and punching power -- but has yet to face anyone approaching the caliber of Bivol.

Ramirez is ESPN's No. 3 light heavyweight and will be installed as a decided underdog against Bivol, one of the slickest boxers in the sport coming off a landmark victory.

[Ruthless-RKO]

De La Hoya: "Zurdo Will Prove He's The Best Light Heavyweight When He Fights Bivol"

“Zurdo will prove he is the best light heavyweight when he fights Bivol on November 5,” De La Hoya said in a quote provided to Boxing Scene.

“When Zurdo first came to Golden Boy Promotions, we sat down with him to discuss his future,” Golden Boy VP and executive matchmaker Roberto Diaz told Boxing Scene. “From the moment we first started working with him, he sat down and said, ‘I want Bivol.’ I tried to tell him, ‘We don’t have to do that, we can go other routes.’ Zurdo told me, ‘Roberto, trust me. I can beat him.’

“This is an opportunity to bring back that title—not just for Zurdo, but for all of Mexico.”

[apollo creed]

Probably they sparred together and now Zurdo thinks he can beat Bivol. I think Zurdo is gonna feel the cold reality of a real boxing match.

Meanwhile Zurdo was coddled for a reason, Bivol tested himself vs the top challengers from 175. But its an intriguing fresh fight.

[KiwiRider]

Probably they sparred together and now Zurdo thinks he can beat Bivol. I think Zurdo is gonna feel the cold reality of a real boxing match.

Meanwhile Zurdo was coddled for a reason, Bivol tested himself vs the top challengers from 175. But its an intriguing fresh fight.

Agree, and I've been waiting patiently for someone to kick that ducking Zurdo's arse for years. He hung onto that SMW belt for years, weight bullying second tier guys to keep hold of it.

[Bandog]

Excited for this fight. Zurdo's big chance.

Common sense says Bivol by decision, especially with the Canelo rematch waiting. Both unbeaten!

[Ruthless-RKO]

[apollo creed]

Zurdo is in for a rude awakening when he's gonna face a battle tested top fighter like Bivol. This ain't no sparring.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Abu Dhabi to host epic Light-Heavyweight World Title boxing clash in November

It is the first fight of the new Champions Series in the emirate.

WBA Light-Heavyweight belt holder Dmitry Bivol will defend his world title against Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez in Abu Dhabi this November it has been announced.

The title bout scheduled to take place at the Etihad Arena on 5 November, is the emirate’s move into hosting major boxing clashes and marks the first fight of a new ‘Champions Series’ between the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Matchroom Boxing.

The 12-round fight will see undefeated Bivol who famously defeated pound-for-pound king Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez in Las Vegas in May, make his ninth defence of his title against Ramirez who has a perfect record from 44 flights including 30 knock-outs.

A former WBO Super-Middleweight World Champion, Ramirez has won all of his five fights at Light-Heavyweight since moving up the divisions in 2019 and earned his shot at the Bivol when he defeated Dominic Boesel in a title eliminator in California in May.



The fight continues Abu Dhabi’s rich history in combat sports with UFC 280 scheduled to take place at the end of October in the same venue.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Press Release

Dmitry Bivol will defend his WBA Light-Heavyweight World Title against Mandatory Challenger Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates on Saturday November 5, live to subscribers worldwide on DAZN (excluding South Korea and MENA).

Bivol (20-0, 11 KOs) is coming off a huge upset win over Mexican pound-for-pound superstar Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas in May, where he retained his 175lbs World Title via a unanimous decision to make it 20 wins from 20 fights.

The 31-year-old handed Alvarez only the second loss of his career, nine years on from his first at the hands of modern great Floyd Mayweather, and in doing so further cemented himself as one of the very best Light-Heavyweights on the planet.

Ramirez (44-0, 30 KOs) is a former WBO Super-Middleweight World Champion who has won all five of his fights at Light-Heavyweight inside the distance in impressive fashion since moving up in weight in 2019.

The heavy-handed Mexican southpaw emerged as the Mandatory Challenger to long-reigning champion Bivol, after a fourth-round knockout of Dominic Boesel in their May 14 title eliminator in Ontario, California.

“The fight with Zurdo has been brewing for some time, many things have been said,” said Bivol. “Now we have the chance to take care of things with our actions in the ring, and not our words outside of the ring.”

“I’m happy that the fight is finally happening despite all the challenges,” said Ramirez. “It’s been a long time coming and I look forward to a great night come November 5. I would fight Bivol anywhere – including Mars, but I know we’ll put on a great show in Abu Dhabi. I’m happy overall and very thankful to the WBA, Mr. Gilberto Mendoza and the Golden Boy family for being on this journey with me.”

“Dmitry Bivol has now secured himself with pound-for-pound status after his victory over Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez in May and looks to make a hugely important defence against Mandatory Challenger and former World Champion Gilberto Ramirez. The card will be stacked with World Championship fights and is set to be one of the biggest nights of boxing in 2022,” said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. “I’m delighted to bring this huge World Title fight to Abu Dhabi and would like to thank Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi for all of their help in making this world-class event become a reality. Roll on November 5 for a huge night of World Championship boxing live on DAZN.”

“With this fight finally materialising we look forward to a great night of boxing to remember and another exceptional performance by Dmitry Bivol,” said Bivol’s manager Vadim Kornilov. “We are very excited to be in Abu Dhabi, which is on the way to be the modern top sports attraction of the world.”

“Dmitry Bivol vs. Gilberto Ramirez will be a great fight, many fans have been waiting for this fight to happen and it will finally materialise,” added President of World of Boxing, Andrei Ryabinskiy.

“We are headed to Abu Dhabi and Zurdo will prove he is the best Light-Heavyweight when he fights Bivol on November 5,” said Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions Oscar De La Hoya.

“We are thrilled to host this spectacular boxing event in Abu Dhabi – partnering with reputable partner Matchroom Boxing adds yet another dimension to our exciting calendar,” said HE Saleh Mohamed Saleh Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism, at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, “Once again, the eyes of the world will be on Abu Dhabi on November 5 as we continue to strengthen our position as a top destination for world-class sport. As the host city, we are eager to share our warm Emirati hospitality to visiting fans and offer them memorable, exciting experiences to enjoy at their own pace.”

“Thank you to our brilliant partners Matchroom Boxing and Golden Boy for delivering another blockbuster fight to the platform,” said Joseph Markowski, EVP, DAZN Group. “We can’t wait to see Dmitry Bivol back in the ring after he pulled off the upset of the year against Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez in May, and in the unbeaten Zurdo Ramirez, he will face one of his toughest opponents yet. We have a potential classic on our hands. Watch it live and worldwide on DAZN.”

[Ruthless-RKO]

Looks like they adding Jessica McCaskill vs. Chantelle Cameron on this card.

Hearn’s mandatory womens co-feature bout.

Is Kali Reis vacates her belt, this will be for undisputed at 140.

[Cent0089]

Looking forward to this fight, best fighting the best

[Ruthless-RKO]

Launch Presser

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Joe Cordina vs Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov lands on Bivol-Ramirez card

The Welsh Wizard’ looks to build on stunning one-punch KO win

Joe Cordina will make the maiden defence of his IBF Super-Featherweight World Title against Mandatory Challenger Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates on Saturday November 5, live to subscribers worldwide on DAZN (excluding South Korea and MENA).

Cordina vs. Rakhimov lands on the undercard of the huge WBA Light-Heavyweight World Title clash between undefeated rivals Dmitry Bivol and Gilberto Zurdo Ramirez – Matchroom’s first ever show in the United Arab Emirates.

‘The Welsh Wizard’ (15-0, 9 KOs) captured the famous red and gold belt with a stunning one-punch knockout of Japan’s Kenichi Ogawa on a memorable night at the Motorpoint Arena Cardiff earlier this year in June to become the latest Welsh World Champion.

Tajikistan’s Rakhimov (16-0-1, 13 KOs) challenged for the vacant IBF belt against an overweight Joseph Diaz at the Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio last year – pushing the American all the way in a majority draw for the title that only he could win.

‘Shere Khan’ was presented with a second opportunity to fight for the IBF 140lbs World Title against Ogawa – but was forced to withdraw from the scheduled bout due to injury. The 27-year-old is currently the highest ranked contender with the IBF.

“I know it’s going to be a tough fight so I’m going to be prepared for 12 hard rounds,” said Cordina. “I know I’m going to have to bite down on my gumshield and dig my toes in. It’s going to get tough in there but I’m going to be prepared for that.

“Nothing has really changed since I won the World Title back in June. My mentality is still the same, I still want to be the best in the world – I want to win more titles. I’ve reached my goal of becoming World Champion but now I’ve set new goals which include becoming a unified and undisputed World Champion.

“It’s great to be a part of the first show in Abu Dhabi. I’ve been a part of some big nights in boxing – the Joshua vs. Klitschko show in front of a sold-out Wembley Stadium, Bramall Lane Stadium with Kell Brook against Errol Spence and two Joshua fights at the Principality Stadium. To be a part of another historic show is unbelievable and another one ticked off my list.”

“We have a huge night of World Championship boxing planned for Abu Dhabi on November 5 and Joe Cordina vs. Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov is the first addition to an all-action undercard,” said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. “The Welsh Wizard landed the IBF Super-Featherweight World Title with an epic one-punch knockout win in his home city earlier this year but that’s just the start of the journey for Welsh boxing’s latest star. Joe has ambitions of becoming undisputed at 130lbs but first he needs to get past an incredibly tough first defence in the shape of IBF number one Rakhimov who has already challenged for the IBF crown.”

An announcement on tickets will follow in due course.

[margaret thatcher]

nice fight, that card is sizzling

[Ruthless-RKO]

Press Release | Chantelle Cameron and Jessica McCaskill will clash for the Ring Belt

After a historic month of September, women’s boxing will have another mega-bout involving two of the game’s best pound-for-pound fighters facing each other in another high-stakes Ring championship bout.

Chantelle Cameron and Jessica McCaskill will clash for Cameron’s junior welterweight Ring belt on the undercard of Dmitry Bivol vs. Gilberto Zurdo Ramirez at the at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates on Saturday November 5. The bout will be broadcasted live to subscribers worldwide on DAZN (excluding South Korea and MENA).

Northampton’s Cameron (16-0, 8 KOs), rated No. 7 by The Ring at pound-for-pound, captured the WBC belt first by widely outpointing Brazil’s Adriana dos Santos Arauja behind closed doors at the Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes back in October 2020.

‘Il Capo’ looked sensational as she stopped Puerto Rico’s Melissa Hernandez in five rounds during the first defense of her crown the following year in her US debut at the Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas, and then the 31-year-old added the IBF and inaugural Ring magazine titles to her collection by decisioning Indiana’s Mary McGee in an all-action main event at The O2 in London in October 2021 before defending her titles with another unanimous decision points win over Victoria Noelia Bustos in May this year.

Ring welterweight champion McCaskill (12-2, 5 KOs), rated No. 5 by The Ring at pound-for-pound, will be dropping down in weight to enhance her pound-for-pound credentials, which she earned after dethroning long-reigning champion Cecilia Braekhus in Tulsa back in August 2020.

A former WBC and WBA world champion at junior welterweight, ‘CasKILLA’ returns to 140 lbs for the first time since October 2019.

“This fight means everything to me, for me it’s all or nothing,” said Cameron. “It’s a career-defining moment for me – this is what every boxer sets out to achieve when they turn professional. As soon as I became a World Champion, I said that the main goal was to become undisputed. To become undisputed would be my dream come true. It’s what I want to achieve in boxing.

“Jessica is a very dangerous fighter and obviously undisputed at 147lbs. She’s been there and she’s done it. She’s got that crown at 147lbs so it’s definitely going to be my toughest fight to date. I’m expecting her to come out all guns blazing. She’s going to stick in on my chest, but I’ve got a game plan A, game plan B and game plan C.

“I’ll make sure that I box how I want to box and not get caught up in a slugfest. As long as I stay switched on and do what I know I can do then this won’t be a messy fight. It’s going to be a good hard fight, but I know I’m a better all-round fighter.”

“I want to take on the biggest and best fights,” said McCaskill. “I want to dominate in multiple weight classes. It’s too easy to stay in one weight class and play it safe. Now I want to prove myself as the best junior welterweight on the planet.”

“This is a career-defining moment for Britain’s Chantelle Cameron – a chance to write her name into the history books and become the undisputed junior welterweight champion,” said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. “Chantelle hasn’t put a foot wrong so far in her career but she knows she faces her toughest test to date against Chicago’s brilliant undisputed welterweight ruler Jessica McCaskill who returns to 140lbs for another shot at greatness. What a card we’re building for November 5 – watch it live around the world on DAZN.”

[Ruthless-RKO]

Presser Quotes

Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Sport Chairman:

“Good afternoon everyone and welcome to a historic press conference here in Abu Dhabi. November 5, our first even here in Abu Dhabi. The ‘Champion Series’ and an incredible main event, the WBA Light-Heavyweight World Title between Dmitry Bivol and Zurdo Ramirez.

“A historic moment for Abu Dhabi, the DCT and for Matchroom Boxing as well as we build a long-term partnership here of global high-profile World Championship fights. November 5 is the start of such an exciting future in what has become a global sports hub here in Abu Dhabi.

“This is an iconic moment and we want to thank so many different people – the DCT, we want to thank Eleven as well, Frank Smith who’s done such a great job. There has been a lot of hard work that has gone into this process. We are about building long-term partnerships with outstanding partners, and great people to work with.

“You’ve seen across the NBA, you’ve seen across the UFC, Dana White and the team couldn’t speak more highly of everyone involved in their relationship with Abu Dhabi. For us as a business, this is just the start of a new world of boxing here in the Middle East and in Abu Dhabi. Earlier on today we announced that Joe Cordina will defend his IBF Super-Featherweight World Championship against the Mandatory Challenger Rakhimov and the undisputed women’s Light-Welterweight World Championship – Chantelle Cameron McCaskill. They’re the first three fights announced for November 5 in the stunning Etihad Arena.”

Dmitry Bivol:

“First of all, hello everyone and thank you for coming. Yes, maybe it’s one of the toughest fights in my career. I’m thinking like that every time before my fights. I want to say thank you to you Eddie and Matchroom, and everyone in Abu Dhabi. Everyone who wanted to make this fight.

“I’m glad to defend my title in Abu Dhabi. I heard this is the first time that someone has defended a World Title in Abu Dhabi. It’s great to be the first. I hope it’s not the last time in Abu Dhabi. Thank you to Ramirez for this fight. I know he wanted this fight a long time. Me too. Now it will happen. He is a good fighter and I like challenges. I like to fight against the guy who has won 44 fights and who is bigger than me and taller than me. This is a big challenge for me. I hope it will be a great fight on November 5.

“I have to be focused only on this fight. Every time when I have a fight I’m focused on that fight. Of course I have great plans in my head, I want to be the best fighter in the world. I want to get more belts, but now I have a big fight against a good fighter. I try to be focused only on November 5.”

Vadim Kornilov, manager of Dmitry Bivol:

“Thank you, Eddie. You’re definitely back on the team of course. You were never off the team because I think you believed in Dmirty the whole way from the beginning – just like the rest of us. It’s very exciting.

“After the Canelo fight obviously it’s a second level of motivation they have to find. Any fighter that goes to that level, they have to motivate themselves to go on. Having to fight a guy like Ramirez who is very well respected, who has never lost and who has fought some of the top-level guys, it’s something that you have to overcome and it’s something that we have to do.

“You have to find something inside you to get that victory again. I believe that Dmirty has that mentality and he is always very tough and confident. I think he will be able to do it and go on to get the other belts after this. That’s something that we look forward to as well.”

Gilberto Zurdo Ramirez:

“Thank you. Thank you everyone. Thank you for having us and for the hospitality. I’m glad to be here in Abu Dhabi. It’s my first time here and I feel like I’m at home because it’s the same weather as back home – hot and humid. It’s perfect for me.

“Thank you Matchroom and thank you to Golden Boy for making this possible. I’m looking forward to getting that title on November 5 to become a two-time World Champion. I think it will be a great night, an exciting fight for everyone. Even for me, I can’t wait for this fight. I’ve been waiting so long for this moment and I just want to say thank you to Dmitry Bivol for taking this fight.

“I think we’re going to put on a great show for all of the fans and for Abu Dhabi. It will be a great night. He is one of the greatest 175 pounders’ and he beat one of the greatest fighters in boxing too. Congratulations to him. I knew he would be a tough fight for Canelo. It was a great night for Bivol because he beat him by unanimous decision. It was great. What can I tell you? I’m 44 fights and 44 wins.”

Eric Gomez, Golden Boy Promotions:

“I just want to thank everybody for being here. The hospitality has been incredible. It’s an incredible city, a beautiful city – it’s my first time here. I want to thank DAZN and Joe Markowski – thank you for all you do. Eddie, you and your team, Frank Smith. It’s always a pleasure working with you guys. I want to thank the champion Dmity Bivol, his manager Vadim. This is a great fight. This is going to be an incredible fight. Both fighters are undefeated and it’s going to be a very exciting fight. I don’t normally like to give predictions, but I’m compelled to give a prediction for this fight. I feel strongly that the winner is going to be Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi and also the world of boxing. It’s rare that we put these fights together, it’s a special event, so thank you guys very much for having us and we look forward to November 5.”

Joseph Markowski, EVP, DAZN Group:

“Thank you, Eddie, and thank you to everyone up on the top table here today. It’ great to be here with old friends and new. Thank you to our hosts here in Abu Dhabi and to the DCT. Dmitry, it wasn’t too long ago that we were toasting your success in Las Vegas, late at night in your hotel room after your last win. It’s great to be back working with you.

“It’s a fantastic schedule we’re building on DAZN as we head into Autumn. In a couple of weeks’ time we have Canelo and GGG in a fantastic trilogy fight. More to come from our X Series – a new venture with KSI in the world of crossover boxing. This fight in early November as well as Eubank-Benn – a fantastic PPV event in the UK.

“We’re about building a schedule of events globally that engages new and existing boxing fans. We’re doing that with increasing regularity. We’re doing that with our partners at Golden Boy, it’s great to see Eric Gomez here from Los Angeles. It’s great to keep it in the DAZN family as always with Golden Boy and Matchroom.

“This event is representative of exactly what we’re trying to do – a global schedule with fantastic fights, matchups happening when they should happen and delivered with fantastic partners of which there are many sat on this table. We’re very excited, we’re looking forward to it and it’s great to be in business with Abu Dhabi.”

H.E. Saleh Mohammed Saleh Al Geziry:

“Thank you very much Eddie. I can’t express how happy we are for all of you to be here. This happiness is on a personal note because we’ve made new friends of Abu Dhabi, but also on a professional level where our partnership today and the announcement we’re doing today is a milestone for Abu Dhabi within what we are planning for the rest of the future.

“Today Abu Dhabi positioning itself as an events hub in the international world is a very important statement. In the vertical of sports, Abu Dhabi has done a great job with partnering with perfect international brands – whether it’s the NBA, whether it’s the UFC as Eddie rightly mentioned, whether it’s the T20 in cricket and so on and so forth. With the boxing world, we are very pleased to be partners with Matchroom.

“Normally whenever you start a certain vertical you want to start with a big bang, and I think the fight that has just been announced is a fight that everyone has been waiting for. I think it’s one of the first times that combined you have over 60 fights to zero. How could we have started with anything better than this? Thank you very much for putting this together.”

[handsofstone]

One of the best fights in boxing I'm stoked

[Bandog]

Edge to Bivol, but think this fight may be much closer than Bivol vs Canelo.

If Zurdo wins, Canelo said no fighting him, because he's Mexican. Strange.