WBA Light-Heavyweight World Champion Dmitry Bivol is relishing the opportunity to put his title on the line in Abu Dhabi when facing fellow undefeated fighter Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez.

The fight is a landmark occasion for the UAE as this will be the first world-title boxing match held in the country when the pair clash on November 5 at the Etihad Arena on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.

Bivol (20-0, 11 KOs) is coming off a huge upset win over Mexican pound-for-pound superstar Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez in May, where he retained his 175lbs world title via a unanimous decision to make it 20 wins from 20 fights.

The 31-year-old handed Alvarez only the second loss of his career, nine years on from his first at the hands of modern great Floyd Mayweather, and in doing so further cemented himself as one of the very best Light-Heavyweights on the planet.

“The fight with Zurdo has been brewing for some time, many things have been said,” said Bivol.

“Now we have the chance to take care of things with our actions in the ring, and not our words outside of the ring.”

Ramirez (44-0, 30 KOs) is a former WBO Super-Middleweight World Champion and has impressively won all five of his fights at Light-Heavyweight inside the distance since moving up in 2019.

“I’m happy that the fight is finally happening despite all the challenges,” said Ramirez. “It’s been a long time coming and I look forward to a great night come November 5. I would fight Bivol anywhere – including Mars, but I know we’ll put on a great show in Abu Dhabi.”

Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn is delighted the fight is coming to Abu Dhabi, and guarantees fight fans a night to remember in the UAE capital.

“I’m delighted to bring this huge World Title fight to Abu Dhabi and would like to thank the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi for all of their help in making this world-class event become a reality.”

“Dmitry Bivol has now secured himself with pound-for-pound status after his victory over Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez in May and looks to make a hugely important defence against Mandatory Challenger and former World Champion Gilberto Ramirez. The card will be stacked with World Championship fights and is set to be one of the biggest nights of boxing in 2022.”

For more information and to purchase tickets see https://www.etihadarena.ae/en/event-booking/wba-bivol-ramirez