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Zurdo Ramirez Responds To WBA Order
The long chase is over for “Zurdo” or at least it appears
that way after nearly two years.
The World Boxing Association (WBA) recently ordered Dmitry
Bivol (20-0, 11 KOs), the reigning World Boxing Association
(WBA) Super Light Heavyweight World Champion, to next fight
former World Super Middleweight Champion and current WBA No.
1 rated light heavyweight mandatory challenger, Gilberto
“Zurdo” Ramirez (44-0, 30 KOs).
Ramirez had won not one but two title eliminators, knocking
out Yunieski Gonalez and then in his last fight, stopping
the previous WBA No. 1 contender Dominic Boesel (32-3) in
four rounds, to formally become the official WBA light
heavyweight mandatory challenger for Bivol.
“Bivol’s champion period is conditioned to a term of 24
months and his last mandatory fight was on March 3, 2018 (8
fights ago vs. Sulivan Barrera in Bivol’s first title
defense), his next was to be after March, 2020,” Carlos
Chavez, chairman of the WBA Championship Committee,
explained in a letter to the two teams. “For that reason, he
must face Ramirez. In case they do not reach an agreement in
the given time period or any of the parties refuse to do so,
the WBA will have the right to call the fight a purse bid.”
The two sides were given until August 10th to consummate a
deal to avoid a WBA purse bid hearing.
“I always hear things here and there,” Ramirez said, “but
I’m in this position for a reason. The WBA is a tremendous
organization and I believe the right process will prevail.
Unlike others, I take pride in my craft and will always want
to face the best in real life, and not just speak of it like
other champions.”
No sooner had the WBA informed all concerned parties,
though, Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn, who along
with manager Vadim Kornilov represents Bivol, was quoted as
reportedly planning to request an exception from the WBA to
allow Bivol to make a voluntary defense against No. 2 rated
Joshua Buatsi in October with the winner to face “Zurdo.”
“I’ve heard some stuff, but I don’t really pay too much
attention to the garbage,” Ramirez’ manager David Suh (3
Point Management) commented. “At the end of the day, we are
grateful for the opportunity and have full faith in the
process. The WBA and Mr. Gilberto Mendoza have been great to
us and we look forward to getting this done.”
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