In May of this year, undefeated
WBA Light-Heavyweight world champion Dmitry Bivol entered the to defend his
portion of the World Light-Heavyweight championship against Saul “Canelo”
Alvarez, the man regarded by many as the best fighter in the world pound for
pound, who had recently fully unified the Super-Middleweight division to become
Undisputed world champion. Although Bivol went into the fight unbeaten and was
a longtime champion, the champion was treated almost as if he were the challenger.
This was due largely to Alvarez’
standing in the sport and for better or worse fighters who are fortunate to covet
such a position often take advantage of what are seen by some fans as perks,
whether it be in contract negotiations and/or in the ability to dictate terms
including, but not limited to at times who they fight, when they fight, and
unfortunately for the fan/consumer how said bouts will be made available to the
public. While some have used such a position to avoid challenges by choosing to
not face fighters deemed as competitive threats, to his credit, even though
Alvarez hand picked Bivol as his opponent in an attempt to begin the process of
trying to unify a second division, he picked arguably the most dangerous
fighter the Light-Heavyweight division has to offer both in terms of overall
Boxing skill and punching power.
As most know, Bivol used those
attributes to his advantage as he tactically out boxed Alvarez over twelve
rounds to earn a convincing twelve round unanimous decision to retain his championship
for the ninth time. While Bivol’s performance was one that was of the tactical/pure
Boxing form, he dictated how the fight was fought from start to finish in a
bout that this observer felt he dominated.
In some ways, Bivol’s victory over Alvarez
reminded me of a fight that I covered in September 2001 between Bernard Hopkins
and Felix Trinidad in what was a Middleweight world championship unification bout.
It reminded me of that fight for one similarity. Much like Bivol, Hopkins had
held his version of the World Middleweight championship for several years dominating
most of his opposition prior to facing Trinidad. Despite this, there were
several, particularly casual Boxing fans who did not know much about Hopkins
and treated him with little regard. This was due to Trinidad being one of the
biggest stars in the sport at the time and being more well known outside of the
true Boxing enthusiast.
When the two met inside Madison Square
Garden in the weeks that followed the 9/11 attacks, Hopkins dominated Trinidad
before knocking him down in the twelfth round and stopping him. While much like
Bivol’s decision win over Alvarez, Hopkins’ knockout of Trinidad was viewed as the
best win and a career definer for him, the similarities may not end there.
Despite his win over Trinidad
and his status afterward as unified Middleweight world champion, it took
Hopkins a few more years to get the acclaim and respect he had earned that
night in Madison Square Garden. Most would say that it was not until he knocked
out Oscar De La Hoya in September 2004 to fully unity the Middleweight division
that Hopkins finally was regarded as the great fighter he was and ultimately
the Hall of Famer he is today.
Although that delayed recognition
for Hopkins can be explained as the politics that be in the sport and others
including promoters and networks working against him, some might say that decades
later, Dmitry Bivol now finds himself in a similar position. While Boxing is
truly the theater of the unexpected and the best unscripted drama sports has to
offer, in my view, there are likely some who either because of biases related
to being a fan of those with other vested interests that would say that what
happened when Bivol beat Alvarez that the outcome was not in the long-term plan
for the latter’s career.
Nonetheless, Bivol did what he
had to do, retained his title, and could well meet Alvarez again down the line.
Before that can happen however, the undefeated champion will make the tenth
defense of his WBA crown when he faces undefeated former WBO Super-Middleweight
world champion Gilberto Ramirez on Saturday, November 5th at the Etihad
Arena in Abu Dhabi, U. A. E. The fight, which can be seen globally on digital
subscription sports streaming network DAZN
is frankly one of the most dangerous fights that Bivol could have taken
following his victory over Alvarez. Ramirez, unbeaten in forty-four
professional fights, has thirty knockouts in his career and will enter this
fight having scored five straight knockouts. The challenger also goes into this
fight as the WBA’s number one contender.
While Bivol had to take this
fight per Ramirez’ status as a mandatory challenger, it is commendable that the
champion did not spend too much time exploring options to delay this bout from
taking place as unfortunately sometimes happens throughout the sport both due
to the politics that be in the sport as well as potentially more lucrative
opportunities that might be available to a fighter. One could argue that from a
public perception standpoint that Bivol ‘s standing in the sport will be
further elevated if he can defeat Ramirez.
In terms of how this fight might
be fought, it is important to keep in mind that both Bivol and Ramirez are
boxer/punchers that can do a little of everything inside the ring. What this
bout will come down to in this observer’s eyes is whether or not the challenger
will be able to bring the fight to Bivol. One thing that stood out in Bivol’s
victory over Alvarez is at no point in that fight did the champion appear
uncomfortable and not in the position to dictate how that fight was fought.
This also was visible by Bivol’s not allowing himself to be baited into
exchanges with Alvarez, particularly when Alvarez chose to sit on the ropes and
motion for Bivol to step in and attack. The champion instead chose to remain at
a distance where he could hit Alvarez, but remain in control of how the fight
was fought.
Although Gilberto Ramirez is
also a crafty fighter much like Alvarez, he will nerd to avoid some of the
mistakes Alvarez made throughout that fight. While Ramirez is naturally bigger
than Alvarez, the task is largely the same for him against Bivol. He must look
to apply pressure on Bivol early and make him uncomfortable. Ramirez must be
tactical in his approach as Bivol does have good hand speed and is an accurate
counter puncher.
Bivol has proven to be quite the
tactician in recent fights after beginning his career with a string of
knockouts similar to that of current Middleweight world champion Gennady
Golovkin. Even though a pure Boxing style with an emphasis on technique is not always
fan friendly, when executed well it can prove to be very effective and
difficult for opponents to combat as Bivol has shown in recent fights. Even
though the champion still likely has the punching power to get an opponent out
of there if an opportunity arises, it is logical to expect that Bivol will try
to implement a similar strategy as he has used in recent fights in this title
defense against Ramirez.
The winner of this fight will
likely find himself in good position as 2023 approaches with two realistic
options. Option one could be a bout with Alvarez who insists on returning to
the Light-Heavyweight division with his eye particularly on a possible rematch
with Bivol. Perhaps more enticing however, could be the second option, which
would be to try and unify the division. With a lot on the line for both
fighters going into this fight and possibly coming out of it, it comes down to
two fighters meeting in the ring with Bivol’s WBA World Light-Heavyweight
championship at stake. We will see what happens on Saturday, November 5th.
“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”
Bivol vs. Ramirez takes place
on Saturday, November 5th at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, U. A. E.
The bout as well as it’s full undercard can be seen globally on digital subscription
sports streaming network DAZN beginning at 10AM ET/7AM PT with Before the bell,
which will include preliminary bouts on the card. This will be followed by the
main card beginning at 1:30PM ET/10:30AM PT (U.S. Times). For more information
about DAZN including schedules, list of
compatible streaming devices, platforms, Smart TVs, availability around the world,
local start times in your area, and to subscribe please visit: www.DAZN.com.
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