Dmitry Bivol put on a masterclass in Abu Dhabi against Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez, winning by unanimous decision, and putting a full stop on his case for fighter of the year.
The two fighters went into the fight with a combined record of 64 wins and zero losses, but it was clear from the start that Bivol was going to be the one leaving the arena with his undefeated record intact. He retained his WBA Light Heavyweight belt through a clinic of excellent footwork and combinations when they mattered.
The boxing world was impressed – and we’ve gathered some of those reactions below.
George Kambosos Jr
Bivol is a beast!! Hopefully Bivol vs Beterbiev is next 😍 Let’s go boxing!! The best fighting the best 🥊
— George "Ferocious" Kambosos Jr (@georgekambosos) November 5, 2022
Michael Benson
Dmitry Bivol BEATS Gilberto 'Zurdo' Ramirez by unanimous decision to retain his WBA light-heavyweight world title. Excellent performance that will surely cement him as 2022 Fighter of the Year following his May win over Canelo Alvarez.
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) November 5, 2022
Mario Lopez
I'd rather see Bivol vs. Beterbiev than Spence vs. Crawford…#Boxing
— Mario Lopez (@mariolopezviva) November 5, 2022
Teddy Atlas
Bivol has all the bricks or blocks of talent, but what holds them together and makes him special is his mental approach. #BivolZurdo#BivolRamirez#boxing
— Teddy Atlas (@TeddyAtlasReal) November 5, 2022
Dan Rafael
We go the cards in #BivolZurdo: 118-110, 117-111 x 2 all for the winner Bivol, who retains the WBA light heavyweight title. He also probably locked up fighter of the year! A masterpiece. #boxing
— Dan Rafael (@DanRafael1) November 5, 2022
Sunny Edwards
Bivol, Shakur, Haney, Inoue.
The four fighters who seem to never lose control of a fight from start to finish.
— Sunny Edwards (@SunnyEdwards) November 5, 2022
Sam Jones
Canelo just needs to brush this rematch under the carpet and hold the L. He’s not beating Bivol in a million years.
— Sam Jones (@mrsamjones88) November 5, 2022
Ellie Scotney
Everything Bivol does is correct and effortless at that 👏🏼
— Ellie Scotney (@elliescotney_) November 5, 2022
Chris Billam-Smith
Bivol's best attribute is his concentration. Impeccable 👏
— Chris Billam-Smith (@ChrisBillam) November 5, 2022
Lou DiBella
Zurdo isn’t fun to watch. Wasn’t Bivol’s fault. #boxing
— Lou DiBella (@loudibella) November 5, 2022
WBA Boxing
The champ is a beast!
Dmitry Bivol beats Gilberto Ramírez by UD in Abu Dhabi#AndStill WBA Light Heavyweight Super Champion @bivol_d#Boxing#Boxeo#WBA#WBABoxing#BivolRamirezpic.twitter.com/VFvic53DbH
— WBA Boxing (@WBABoxing) November 5, 2022