Dmitry Bivol retains WBA title in Abu Dhabi after outclassing Gilberto 'Zurdo' Ramirez

Undefeated Russian too strong in 'Champion Series' headline bout at Etihad Arena

Dmitry Bivol throws a right at Gilberto Ramirez on his way to victory in their WBA light-heavyweight title contest at Etihad Arena on November 5, 2022 in Abu Dhabi. Getty

ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - NOVEMBER 05: Dmitrill Bivol celebrates victory after the WBA Super World Light Heavyweight Title fight between Dmitrii ivol and Gilberto Ramirez at Etihad Arena on November 05, 2022 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Francois Nel / Getty Images)

Dmitry Bivol throws a left at Gilberto Ramirez. Getty

Dmitry Bivol throws a right at Gilberto Ramirez. Getty

Dmitry Bivol punches Gilberto Ramirez at Etihad Arena. Getty

Dmitry Bivol prepares for the fight. Getty

Gilberto Ramirez prepares for the title fight. Getty

Dmitry Bivol and Gilberto Ramirez slug it out in Abu Dhabi. Getty

Dmitry Bivol outclassed Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez in Abu Dhabi on Saturday night to retain his WBA light-heavyweight title and inflict the Mexican’s first professional defeat, triumphing at Etihad Arena by unanimous decision.

Bivol, himself undefeated, had simply too much for Ramirez in the headline bout of the inaugural "Champion Series" in the capital. In the end, the judges gave it to the dominant Russian 118-110, 117-111, 117-111.

Bivol, who in May defeated superstar Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, now sits at 21-0 as a pro, while Ramirez suffered his first loss in 45 fights. It marked the 10th defence of the WBA title he has held since November 2017.