Zurdo Ramirez targets two-time world champion status in Abu Dhabi clash with Dmitry Bivol

Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez is convinced he will leave Abu Dhabi in November a two-time world champion, saying he is “prepared for everything” thrown at him by WBA light-heavyweight title-holder Dmitry Bivol.

Ramirez, the former WBO super-middleweight champion, takes on arguably his greatest test to date on November 5, when he faces Bivol in the headline bout at Etihad Arena.

The fight night, announced last month, marks the first "Champions Series" event of the recently signed agreement between the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and Matchroom Boxing.

Unbeaten in all 44 professional fights, Ramirez represents the WBA mandatory challenger at light heavyweight after winning all five of his bouts since jumping up to 175 lbs in 2019. All five victories have come by knockout.

The Mexican, 31, defeated Dominic Boesel last time out in May, and now puts on the line his unbeaten record against fellow undefeated pro Bivol. Russia's Bivol sits at 20-0, with May’s dominant points victory against Saul “Canelo” Alvarez the eighth successful defence of his WBA crown.

Asked if November 5 therefore ranked as the greatest challenge of his pro career, Ramirez told The National: “I think it’s not the biggest. I’ve been fighting for a long time with the top fighters, but at the end of the day it’s a good challenge.

Dmitry Bivol celebrates after his unanimous decision victory against Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez after their WBA light heavyweight title fight at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. All images by AFP

“It’s what I want. I want the belt. It’s great for me and it’s great for boxing to have this top fight and for people to be looking forward to it.

“Bivol’s a really good challenge. And I like it because I’m a man of the