Saul Alvarez may have his eyes on a potential rematch against Dmitry Bivol somewhere down the line – but Gilberto Ramirez isn’t so keen.
Mexico’s Alvarez has more pressing matters at hand, with the September 17 trilogy clash against Gennady Golovkin for the WBA Super, IBF, WBC and WBO world super-middleweight titles, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, fast approaching.
The Mexican is going into the third fight against Kazakhstan’s Golovkin on the back of a shock defeat at the hands of the aforementioned Bivol in May.
‘Canelo’ stepped up to light-heavyweight and was outpointed by the Russian as he kept hold of the WBA world title.
The sanctioning body recently ordered Bivol to meet Gilberto Ramirez – putting paid to the idea of Bivol potentially facing Britain’s Joshua Buatsi.
And ‘Zurdo’ has said that ‘Canelo’ will have no choice but to fight him next once he has dealt with the undefeated puncher at 175 pounds.
“Why would I have to do [a step-aside deal] if I already have my mandatory opportunity, the title opportunity?” Ramirez (44-0, 30 KOs) asked ESPN Deportes. “[This is] the dream that I’ve been waiting for for a long time.”
‘Canelo’, who had the ability to exercise an immediate rematch but ultimately decided to face Golovkin, has stated in several interviews that he wants to face Bivol in a rematch in May next year.
But the Mexican Ramirez shot down that idea, suggesting he will beat Bivol and leave his countryman with no option but to take a showdown with him.
“I know there’s a title on the line and we’re both going to do what we love, fight and I know I’m going to come out on top in that fight.
“I’m sorry for Canelo, but that [rematch with Bivol] is not going to happen.
“After I beat [Bivol], [Canelo] will have no choice but to fight me. That fight [with Bivol] has to be done. He’s already made himself known to the world [by beating Canelo].”
