Dmitry Bivol focused on defeating Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez at Etihad Arena next month

ABU DHABI: Since defeating Canelo – also known as Saul Alvarez – over 12 rounds in May, the world No. 1 in the light heavyweight division, Dmitry Bivol, has had his eyes only on Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez who he will face at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on Nov. 5.

Bivol has a record of 20-0 (11 knockouts) and is solely focused on maintaining that nought as he looks to become the division’s undisputed champion.

Since the two boxers faced off at a press conference in Abu Dhabi in August, Bivol said that he had not learned anything new about the 6ft 3in tall southpaw Ramirez, who carries an impressive 44-0 record. Ramirez had claimed that the Russian boxer was underestimating him going into the November bout.

Bivol said: “No, I am not underestimating him. I look only at him and this fight. My focus is only on Nov. 5 right now.

“You know it doesn’t matter what league you are in. Yes, Canelo and Ramirez, they are two different opponents, but I have 280 fights in the amateurs, and I have met many different opponents. I didn’t have time to prepare for each one of them.

“You come on the day and have five different opponents in a tournament – some are orthodox, some short, tall, or fight on their front foot, you don’t get to prepare, you come ready for any opponent.”

Bivol showed little concern on what advantages Ramirez may have over him or how his opponent’s camp had gone.

“I don’t know what his camp plan was but mine was to be here (Abu Dhabi) for the month and get used to the weather. I only know that my camp has been good.

“I just want to go in and fight, I don’t want to say how it will go from now. Of course, I do combinations in training with my coach in preparation so when I get in the ring, I have muscle memory.