By: Sean Cross
“I really believe I can become a two-time world champion on Saturday,” said former WBO super middleweight heavyweight champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez ahead of his fight against WBA light heavyweight champion Dimitri Bivol on Saturday. “I want to say thank you to Oscar (promoter Oscar de la Hoya) and everyone for being here. To my team and all the press and media – thank you. I want to thank Dimitri and his team for making the fight happen. This weekend’s title shot is set to go down in Abu Dhabi at the Etihad Arena – a venue Ramirez mentioned to the media during Thursday’s press conference.
“Coming from Mexico and being in Abu Dhabi is exciting for me,” said the undefeated 44-0 fighter. “It’s the same weather, I feel like I’m at home. I am training hard for this fight and I will definitely take the belt this Saturday. 44 tried and 44 failed. I hope the crowd will enjoy the fight because this is the type of fight the fans love to see in boxing.” Zurdo says stardom is clearly not on his agenda. Leaving a legal legacy is.
“I see him as a two-time world champion right now,” he said. “I don’t see myself as a boxing star. My goal is to become a two-time world champion, continue to build my legacy and eventually become a legend. This is my goal. I want to do it for all my fans out there. Whether he plans to become a star or not, Ramirez will receive a lot of praise if he wins this weekend. The last time Bivol was in the ring, he chose the great Canelo Alvarez. Promoter De La Hoya made sure to let the media know how important Saturday’s fight is to Ramirez’s team.
“This is the opportunity of a lifetime for Zurdo Ramirez,” he said. “This is the opportunity of a lifetime to get boxing on the biggest stage and show the world what Abu Dhabi is all about, show the world what big-time boxing is all about and show the world that yes, promoters can come together and put on a big stage. Big fights.” Surely, Bivol-Ramirez will fight the best. , is something that has been lacking in the sport lately – although, to be fair, several weeks ago boxing was well positioned for 2022.
Bivol-Ramirez will be broadcast live on DAZN Saturday at 2:30pm ET.
