Via Sean Jones: Oscar De La Hoya believes Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez is showing enough improvement in his speed and mobility to be able to knock out WBA lightweight champion Dmitry Bivol on November 5.
De La Hoya says he wants to make a fight between Gilberto and Canelo Alvarez in 2023 if Zurdo gets past Bivol successfully. That didn’t seem too possible, as Canelo ruled out a fight with Ramirez due to his decision not to go head to head with the Mexican boxer.
Regarding the record, Bivol is preferred by bookies thanks to his hand speed, ability to move and superior technique. Also, Bivol is a much better combo puncher.
Ramirez (44-0, 30 KOs) has looked very sluggish since rising to 175 in 2019, and it’s hard to imagine him suddenly picking up speed at 31 ahead of a crucial battle with Bivol (20-0, 11 KOS) on DAZN at Etihad Stadium, Abu Dhabi.
“Not just because of his size, not just because he’s male, his strength, but I like the way he moves his legs,” Oscar De La Hoya told ESNEWS on why he believes Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez beat Dmitry Bivol on November 5.
“I like the way he throws out his combinations. He’s very elusive. Bivol is a warrior who wants to wait for you. He wants to make mistakes, the way he would expect Canelo.
“Canelo will throw a punch, and that’s it, and he counterattacks. Zurdo has the right game plan. He is compensating for him, wants to put in a lot of coordination, and he has a lot of conditions, which will be key in Abu Dhabi.
De La Hoya said: “Three against one, I like that,” De La Hoya said of Zurdo Ramirez being the underdog against Bivol. “It gave him fire! Three against one, I have a chance to beat the world champion who defeated the man [Canelo Alvarez].
“If it’s ten to one, I’ll be one [worried]but three against one? I will go with Zurdo so I can defeat Bivol. I enjoyed doing the Zurdo vs. Canelo. Zurdo vs. Next year’s Canelo will be huge. A full-blown Mexican war.
“I really feel Zurdo can replace Canelo. I think he can take him down. I mean, Zurdo is a big man. He looks ripped; he is looking fast; he looks strong. I enjoyed watching that match,” De La Hoya said.
