Back in December, right after Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (43-0, 29 KOs) stopped Yunieski Gonzalez to become the mandatory challenger for World Boxing Association (WBA) Light Heavyweight World Super Champion Dmitry Bivol (19-0, 11 KOs).
In a recent interview with Ring, Bivol was quoted as saying, “I know for a fact that my team did offer Team Ramirez to fight me December 11th in Russia, and the purse offered was about the same as what I was offered to fight him on a (Golden Boy Promotions) show. He rejected the offer.”
Ramirez denied Bivol's statements, countering that he never turned down the opportunity to collide.
“I don’t know why he’s saying they offered a fight to me,” Ramirez countered, “but he must be really confused. To be clear there was never a contract that was sent to my team or Golden Boy for a fight; unlike how a contract was delivered to him and his team from Golden Boy for the December bout. I’m confused why he continues to be a pawn and create false narratives and tries everything to hide from this fight. It’s just a matter of time before that belt comes to where it belongs.”
Ramirez, the first Mexican to capture the world super middleweight title, moved up to the light heavyweight division to chase down a second divisional title.
Bivol is one of the leading candidates to face Saul "Canelo' Alvarez, who returns to the ring during Cinco De Mayo weekend in the month of May.
Ramirez wants to face Bivol sooner than later, and then face WBO champion Joe Smith.
“After Bivol, Joe Smith is my next target since he has my belt (WBO) that I had at 168 pounds,” Ramirez remarked. “I am the best light heavyweight out there and it’s not even close. There’s a reason why these champs are scared to call my name, but soon they won’t have a choice. I would end Smith in less than 6 rounds.”
