Back in December, right after Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (43-0, 29 KOs) stopped Yunieski Gonzalez to become the mandatory challenger for World Boxing Association (WBA) Light Heavyweight World Super Champion Dmitry Bivol (19-0, 11 KOs) who suddenly and surprisingly went dark, until he recently make an unsubstantiated claim that “Zurdo” had turned down an offer to fight him.
Bivol was quoted in a recent boxing news report, which was also picked up by other media outlets, saying, “I know for a fact that my team did offer Team Ramirez to fight me December 11th in Russia, and the purse offered was about the same as what I was offered to fight him on a (Golden Boy Promotions) show. He rejected the offer.”
“I don’t know why he’s saying they offered a fight to me,” Ramirez countered, “but he must be really confused. To be clear there was never a contract that was sent to my team or Golden Boy for a fight; unlike how a contract was delivered to him and his team from Golden Boy for the December bout. I’m confused why he continues to be a pawn and create false narratives and tries everything to hide from this fight. It’s just a matter of time before that belt comes to where it belongs.”
Ramirez, the first Mexican to capture the World super middleweight title, is a former World Boxing Organization (WBO) Champion, who earned his title shot against Bivol by winning his WBA Title Eliminator versus Gonzalez.
“After Bivol, Joe Smith is my next target since he has my belt (WBO) that I had at 168 pounds,” Ramirez remarked. “I am the best light heavyweight out there and it’s not even close. There’s a reason why these champs are scared to call my name, but soon they won’t have a choice. I would end Smith in less than 6 rounds.”
Bivol also said in the aforementioned story: “My motivation and my ambitions have not changed for a long time – I want to fight the best. I want to prove that I am the best in my division.”
Guess what, Dmitry, 43-0 “Zurdo” is the best!
Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez wants Dimitry Bivol next
The 30-year Ramirez, who made his debut under the Golden Boy banner, issued a loud statement to the three reigning world light heavyweight champions: Bivol, Artur Beterbiev (WBC/IBF), and Joe Smith, Jr. (WBO).
“I knew I had to come out strong and make a statement,” Ramirez spoke about the Barrera fight. “Barrera is a tough, strong opponent who has fought the best. I had visioned all this in training camp and wanted to showcase my skills. Golden Boy did a great job promoting the show, and I wanted to make sure I did my best job in the ring.
“I’ve always loved going to the body early. My team and I have worked on several areas, including improving my body shots that were evident during the fight. I’m at my best today! I’m comfortable at this weight and believe the combination of my new and improved power and ring experience makes me a dangerous fighter.”
Before Ramirez’s fight versus Barrera, Bivol (18-0 11 KOs) posted the following on social media: “@zurdoramirez, I’ve never avoided a challenge. Good luck to you in the fight against Barrera, and after that, let’s make it happen.”
“Zurdo” has a better shot at fighting Bivol this year than the other two world champions who are tentatively scheduled to face each other in a unification fight. Ramirez and Bivol want this fight, as do their respective camps, along with boxing fans worldwide. They’ve both also fought on DAZN as well.
“Bivol is definitely one of my main targets,” Ramirez explained. “Both our teams have explored the fight, and they know where to find me. After calling me out on the internet, I’ll be surprised if he retracts from his comments; it’s boxing, and you can never be too confident until contracts are signed. He called me out on social media, and his side knows I’m available. If it doesn’t happen, I’m sure he would have a good reason why, but, at the end of the day, I’m 100-percent for this fight, and his team is fully aware of it.”
Ramirez couldn’t have been happier with his Golden Boy debut.
“It was exactly how I had envisioned,” Ramirez concluded. “Oscar (de la Hoya) and his entire staff were great and really made us feel comfortable throughout the process. It was a great show, and I really enjoyed working our first of many shows together.”
Will Bivol accept the challenge and fight “Zurdo”? Stay tuned; the clock’s ticking.