The Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi hosted a commanding display from WBA light-heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol on 5 November 2022, as he nullified the unbeaten Gilberto Ramirez across twelve rounds to secure a unanimous decision. It was Bivol’s first outing since his landmark win earlier that year, a result that had significantly elevated his standing in the sport. Against Ramirez, he showed once again why he has become one of the division’s most reliable and meticulous champions.

This long-anticipated mandatory defence had been forced into motion months earlier. The WBA rejected a request for Bivol to face another contender, ruling that he must meet Ramirez, who had earned his position by defeating Dominic Boesel in a final eliminator. When terms were finally struck, the bout was confirmed as part of a new event series in the United Arab Emirates, with Ramirez arriving on a run of five consecutive wins at light-heavyweight.

Both men made the weight comfortably, and when the opening bell sounded, Ramirez attempted to assert himself quickly. His size advantage was evident, yet Bivol refused to be intimidated, keeping his stance compact while assessing the southpaw’s intentions. The challenger enjoyed some success in the early exchanges, edging a couple of the opening rounds behind steady pressure and body shots. Bivol, however, remained composed, relying on his balance and timing to limit the heavier man’s output.

By the fifth round the champion began to impose his rhythm. Bivol stepped forward with crisp combinations, repeatedly forcing Ramirez into retreat. His accuracy increased as the Mexican’s defences loosened, and sharp sequences to the head began to puncture the contest. Whatever Ramirez attempted, Bivol seemed one step ahead, using subtle footwork to dictate the distance and drawing attacks onto his gloves and arms.

As the fight moved into the middle rounds, the gap in class widened. Bivol’s jab took command, and his punches landed with far greater clarity. Ramirez, who had promised to overwhelm the champion with volume, found himself smothered before he could gather momentum. His work to the body diminished, while Bivol’s decision to press forward — a shift from his previous tactical approach — steadily wore him down.

Entering the championship rounds, the pattern was firmly established. Ramirez tried sporadically to raise the pace, but Bivol was unmoved. He met the challenger head-on, slipping and answering with rapid flurries that consistently halted any revival. The champion finished strongly, tightening his grip on the bout as the final bell approached.

The judges’ totals of 117–111, 117–111 and 118–110 reflected a masterful tenth title defence from a fighter now at the height of his craft. Out landing his opponent in jabs and total punches, Dmitry Bivol again demonstrated a level of control that few can match. And while the challenger produced admirable determination across twelve rounds, the night ultimately belonged to Bivol.