Dmitry Bivol outpointed, outworked and outclassed Zurdo Ramirez to strengthen his claim as the division’s number one in Abu Dhabi. 

World title defence number nine for Bivol was always going to be an anticipated one. A historic win over Canelo Alvarez in May thrusted the Russian into the spotlight of the sporting world. His next challenge was to be one of a very different proportion, literally. 

If Canelo is fighter A, then Ramirez is fighter B. A physically imposing southpaw with a knockout streak that extends back to his 175lb debut in 2019. On paper, this is a fighter who should be everyone’s kryptonite. 

Yet what went down in the desert left a lot to be desired. For 12 rounds, Bivol chipped away at a disappointingly cautious Zurdo. Pre-fight, the Mexican promised to out-work Bivol, however his one-paced approach found him consistently in the firing line of the devastatingly accurate WBA champion. 

And despite going four years without a knockout victory, Bivol carries the consistent power to do damage. A sharp one-two 90 seconds into round one would have given Zurdo immediate cause for concern.

In fact, it was a first round that ended in fiery fashion, and any thoughts of a potential scorcher had the Abu Dhabi crowd on their feet. 

Yet those thoughts were wiped by a skilful, authoritative Bivol who exhibited his extensive arsenal on the way to a comprehensive victory.

Zurdo did have his moments but, having banked only one round by the half-way stage, he was always chasing a shot that never came. 

It was a frustrating night for Zurdo all round, and one that has perhaps revealed the blueprint needed to beat the man previously unbeaten in 44. 

He is a fighter who likes his prey in his line of sight. At a range to which he can throw his sharp combinations. Press that range, and you have a fighter forced to use his sluggish footwork in retreat. Bivol had this sussed from the opening bell, and even if the volume came from Zurdo, it was Bivol’s ring IQ that had Zurdo dancing to his tune. 

And it was a tune that made him feel uncomfortable. 

It really was a splendid performance from Bivol. The speed, that of a lightweight. The discipline, that of a soldier. The intelligence, that of a genius.

And that is what Dmitry Bivol is, a genius of his craft. 

Now, the boxing world awaits his next move, which could line up to be one the sport’s most mouth-watering matchups. 

The rematch with Canelo is the financial monster. Round 13. Las Vegas. Repeat or revenge. It all works. Yet with the Mexican seemingly out until the latter stages of 2023, you can bet your house that boxing’s hottest property won’t be sitting on his hands waiting.

Instead, he will want to let them hands fly, and who better to do so with than fellow Russian Artur Beterbiev. Beterbiev sits on the three belts that make up the light-heavyweight set - and he has earned them in devastating fashion: 18 fights, 18 wins and 18 knockouts say exactly that. But, in the words of Bivol himself …

‘The lion isn’t the biggest animal in the jungle, but he is the king’