Venezuelan light heavyweight contender Albert Ramirez He credits his encounter with him. artur beterbiev For changing the direction of his career.
Ramirez (18-0, 15 KOs) will face former world title challenger Adam Danes next month in Shawinigan, Canada. Coincidentally, Ramirez was drafted by Sperling three years ago when Beterbiev faced the German in Moscow.
An undisputed matchup with Beterbiev and fellow Russian Dmitri Bivol On Monday, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, was officially announced as the venue for June 1 in London.
“For me, it’s a 50-50 fight on paper,” Ramirez said in an exclusive interview with BoxingScene. “I know how Arthur trains personally and I hear that Bivol always trains well. But if I have to spend money on the fight, I have to say that Arthur wins by knockout, although I wouldn't be surprised if it came down to the 12th round.
“Artur has three belts, while Bivol only has one, so the unification will be very interesting to see who is the better guy. Then being able to challenge them I hope.”
Ramirez is ranked at least No. 8 by all four governing bodies and is No. 2 on Bivol's WBO belt. The Rio Olympian credits his time in Russia with sparking his career.
“We had a great time at Arthur's camp,” Ramirez added. “That led to me signing with Eye of the Tiger. It was a great opportunity and turning point for me. I watched him every day and learned a lot from sparring. Even if I wasn't sparring with him, I was going to the gym and training and watching matches.
“It would be great to finally see him fight Bivol, because it would help move the division. I'm ready to face any boxer now for the title. After the fight, I'm ready to win one of those belts.”
