ABU DHABI: Dmitry Bivol, the WBA light-heavyweight champion, is hoping his experience of a sold-out Etihad Arena, to watch some of the world’s greatest basketball players, will give him the upper hand when he faces Mexico’s Gilberto Ramirez in Abu Dhabi on Nov. 5.
Bivol will put his belt on the line, and both fighters will risk their undefeated records, when they square off in the UAE capital’s first-ever world title fight.
The world champion has been in an intense training camp in the UAE for the past couple of weeks but took time out to experience the atmosphere at a sold-out Etihad Arena during Abu Dhabi’s historic NBA game between the Atlanta Hawks and Milwaukee Bucks last week.
And the 31-year-old admitted his excitement and anticipation for fighting in the UAE capital and the inaugural Champion Series, organized by Matchroom Boxing and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, has now been ramped up following his attendance at the NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2022.
“It was very exciting for me,” said Bivol, who also met NBA legend and Abu Dhabi Games ambassador Shaquille O’Neal earlier.
“I haven’t been to too many basketball games before and watching an NBA game with some of the sport’s biggest stars present was a very interesting experience.
“The Etihad Arena is very nice. It was my first time visiting the venue where our fight will take place on Nov. 5. It’s always helpful to get a feel of the arena before the fight. It was very well-conditioned inside and I’m looking forward to it.”
Etihad Arena’s transformation from basketball to fight venue is already underway and Bivol is looking forward to what promises to be an electric night of action.
“This is a historic fight and the winner will probably go on to fight for the undisputed light-heavyweight championship afterwards,” he said.
“I believe this fight puts Abu Dhabi in the boxing history books and hopefully it will be the beginning of a new player in the boxing world. Abu Dhabi can become host to many other historic fights to come. I am extremely excited. It will be a great event.”