Bivol Forced To Duel With Zurdo Or The Champion's Belt Taken Off
JAKARTA - Super light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol must defend his title against the division's number one challenger, Gilberto "Zurdo" Ramirez, the World Boxing Association (WBA) announced on Monday.
The WBA gave the two boxers 30 days to strike a deal. If they do not reach an agreement by August 10, the organization will impose sanctions.
The last mandatory duel labeled 'retaining the title' for Bivol was against Sullivan Barrera on 3 March 2018. He defeated him in the 12th round and the pandemic delayed the next mandatory fight.
Ramirez has been chasing the fight against Bivol for years and the dream has finally come true. Ramirez himself vacated the WBO super middleweight title and moved up to light heavyweight.
He has won all five of his fights in the 175 pound category and earned the WBA mandatory challenger position in the ring on two occasions.
Bivol-Ramirez fight plans were in discussion long before the champion decided to face Umar Salamov and then against super middleweight champion Saul "Canelo" Alvarez.
Bivol's win over Canelo was the highlight of his career and a rematch is expected in 2023.
After years avoiding Ramirez, Bivol must now defend his title against him or risk losing his title belt.