By Jim Calfa: Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez says he plans to apply constant pressure on WBA light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol to dethrone him on November 5 at the Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi.
Ramirez (44-0, 30 KOs) believes he can take down Bivol (21-0, 10 KOs) with pressure and a high work rate to get the victory in their headliner on DAZN.
However, it’s not going to be easy to pull off because Bivol is fast and could prove to be an elusive target for all 12 rounds.
Ramirez, 31, has never been particularly quick on his feet, even when he was campaigning as a super middleweight. But in the last three years since he went up to 175, Zurdo Ramirez has slowed down due to the weight he has put on his 6’2″ frame.
“Raise your hand and take the belt,” Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez told Fight Hub TV when asked how his fight with Dmitry Bivol ends. “I will go after him all night, throw a lot of punches and get the belt.
“Yes,” Zurdo Ramírez said when asked if he would be a “killer” against Bivol. “It was great for me to be in Abu Dhabi to see the [WBA 175-lb] belt, and we are gentlemen. We know each other and we know it will be a good fight.
“We are going to put on a great show for all the fans in Abu Dhabi. It will be very interesting because I am bigger than him and stronger. It will be difficult for him, but I think it will be an exciting fight.
“I want to get the belt,” Ramirez said when asked what he was thinking during his matchup with Bivol. “We know each other. We were laughing and talking. It was great.
“We did a lot of rounds [sparring]. I’m happy about that, and I’m happy to fight him. It will be an exciting fight for everyone. The best has to fight against the best, and in this fight the people deserve it.
“The time frame will be different. The jet lag. That’s the only thing that will be different. I will bring all the skills I have and good vibes. Every fighter is different and tough in his own way. I’m just going to enjoy the night and bring the title to Mexico.
“It’s a great opportunity for me, and I’m glad about that. I will conquer the division,” Ramírez said.
