Avila Perspective, Chap. 210: Bivol vs Zurdo and More

Mexico’s Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez attempts to become only the third from his country to win a light heavyweight world title when he meets WBA titlist Dimitry Bivol this weekend in a battle between undefeated fighters in the Middle East.

Former super middleweight titlist Ramirez (44-0, 30 KOs) seeks to dethrone Russia’s WBA titlist Bivol (20-0, 11 KOs) when they meet Saturday Nov. 5, at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. DAZN will stream the Matchroom and Golden Boy Promotions card.

Though Mexico has produced many world champions, only two have managed to win world titles in the light heavyweight division and they are Julio Cesar Gonzalez and Saul “Canelo” Alvarez. Bivol defeated Alvarez last May in Las Vegas.

Can Bivol (pictured with promoter Eddie Hearn) make it two for two against Mexican rivals?

The very reserved Russian light heavyweight trains in the Coachella desert alongside other championship fighters from the Russian region such as Murodjon Akhmadaliev. It’s the preferred training center for Bivol who also prepared for Saul “Canelo” Alvarez at the same gym.

Bivol’s team knows the Mexican style and guided Bivol to victory over Alvarez. Now they are assisting once again in navigating a course to defeat the much taller and dangerous Ramirez.

Can they do it again?

“I know he wanted this fight a long time. And me too,” said Bivol about his upcoming clash with Ramirez. “He’s a good fighter.”

Both light heavyweights sparred with each other years ago. They know what to expect inside the prize ring.

Perhaps that is why Ramirez is so confident.

“We used to train together,” said Ramirez who now trains in North Hollywood, Calif. “As a fan I like his style. He’s one of the best and I want to fight the best.”

Bivol was able to out-box the Mexican redhead Alvarez who had not lost a fight in nine years. But the Russian heavyweight was able to use his speed and effective defense to tire out Canelo, then proceed to batter his way to a victory by decision.

That win showcased Bivol’s ability but did not bring the attention many thought it would. He had beaten a much smaller foe who had risen from super welterweight to light heavyweight. Though Alvarez is extremely talented, you cannot teach size.

Will size matter when the taller Ramirez is matched against Bivol?

Ramirez said he plans to avenge Bivol’s victory over Canelo and bring back glory to Mexico.

“This is a big challenge for me,” said Bivol. “He’s just another Mexican.”

It was a jest, but was it?

Ramirez doesn’t care whether Bivol was joking or not. He just knows he is the world champion and considered one of the best.

“For me every fight means everything,” said Ramirez. “My main goal is to be a legend because legends never die.”

Montebello on Thursday

Ukraine’s Serhii Bohachuk (20-1, 20 KOs) returns to the Los Angeles area and faces Aaron Coley (16-4-1, 7 KOs) at the Quiet Cannon golf course in Montebello, California. The 360 Promotions boxing card will be streamed on UFC Fight Pass.

Super welterweight Bohachuk remains a viable contender and a big crowd pleaser due to his knockout resume. No one ever hears the final bell when the amiable Ukrainian fighter enters the ring. Somebody is getting knocked out.

Coley has never been knocked out and every time he lost it was a split decision. The Northern Californian presents a difficult test for anyone and is very familiar with fighting in Montebello. He’s already fought at the Quiet Cannon three times including the first two pro fights of his career.

The Quiet Cannon usually sells out. Its one of the best kept secrets in club show boxing.

Others on the fight card include Callum Walsh, Omar Cande Trinidad and two female super flyweights making their pro debuts.

Doors open at 5 p.m.

All Star at Commerce Casino

A large boxing card featuring a light heavyweight main event between Sonny McEwen and Dionardo Minor headlines an All Star Boxing card at Commerce Casino on Saturday, Nov. 5.

Multiple undefeated pro fighters will be featured at the popular casino located off the Garfield Avenue and Telegraph Road offramp of the Interstate 5 Freeway.

Promoter Ed Holmes has long been one of the top promoters in Southern California and helped make California the king of boxing worldwide. Numerous world champions have passed through to fame by making stops on one of his shows. Too many to name.

Doors open at 5 p.m. For tickets and information call 323 816-6200

Fights to Watch

Thurs. UFC Fight Pass 10:00 p.m. ET Serhii Bohachuk (20-1) vs Aaron Coley (16-4-1).

Fri. ProBox.tv 9:00 p.m. ET Kendo Castaneda (19-5) vs Antonio Moran (28-5-1).

Sat. DAZN 1:30 p.m. ET Dmitriy Bivol (20-0) vs Gilberto Ramirez (44-0); Chantelle Cameron (16-0) vs Jessica McCaskill (12-2).

Sat. Showtime 9:00 p.m. ET David Morrell Jr. (7-0) vs Aidos Yerbossynuly (16-0)

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