bivol

Dmitry Bivol Produces Masterful Performance To Defeat ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez

Written by Jared Parry on 5th November 2022.

Dmitry Bivol produced a punch-perfect performance to retain his WBA light-heavyweight title, inflicting the first blemish on the record of Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez

The champion retained his belt be unanimously defeating his Mexican challenger over 12 rounds.

It was a cagey start to the opener, but it was clear that Ramirez possessed the size advantage, as he towered over the champion. The pair engaged in the final seconds of the first round, as Bivol let his hands go and caught Ramirez.

Ramirez would respond in round two, unloading combinations and partially breaking the guard of Bivol. The champion stood strong and fired back with shots of his own, but it was clear these two were well-matched.

Round four would see the fight catch fire further, as Bivol would rock Ramirez as he began to inject pace into his shots. Ramirez fired back with a combination of his own, but the champion was beginning to get inside Ramirez’s long levers and control the pace.

Bivol would continue to push the pace, as he would march down his bigger opponent. Ramirez would find himself backed up against the ropes but would manage to box his way out of trouble in the fifth.

The champion really grew into his own as rounds ticked by, as Bivol’s speed would cause Ramirez all sorts of problems and his relentless pressure would pin Ramirez against the ropes multiple times.

Ramirez’s corner told him to keep applying the pressure, but Bivol had an answer to all the offence Ramirez offered. Bivol continued to extend his lead as they entered the championship rounds.

Ramirez upped his work rate in the 11th, sensing he was behind. Bivol was entering the final round ahead on the cards and kept it that way as he continued his relentless work rate right up to the final bell.

The scorecards 118-110 and 117-111×2 read in Bivol’s favour, seeing him retain his WBA title and inflicting the first loss on Ramirez’s 45 fight record. Bivol wants the undisputed crown and Artur Beterbiev is the man standing in the way. Bivol also claimed he is open to a rematch with Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez, who he sensationally defeated in May.