"Carnation kicks my ass every time." Ramirez on preparation for Bivol and fight with Beterbiev
Undefeated ex-world middleweight champion (up to 76.2 kg), light heavyweight fighter (up to 79.4 kg) from Mexico Gilberto Ramirez (44-0, 30 KOs) talked to representatives of the American media at an open training session.
On November 5, in Abu Dhabi (UAE), Ramirez is scheduled to fight with WBA "super champion" from Russia Dmitry Bivol (20-0, 11 KOs). In a conversation with reporters, Ramirez spoke about sparring with former champion from Ukraine Oleksandr Gvozdyk, commented on his status as an underdog, and also spoke about his desire to fight for the title of absolute division champion with unified champion from Canada Artur Beterbiev (18-0, 18-0, 18 KOs).
Tell us about the training camp.
“The camp is going really well. Hard training, as always. I'm excited because there's one month left, less than a month before the fight.
- Alexander Gvozdyk is one of your sparring partners. What did he tell you about how you look in training camp? Does that give you motivation, since he fought Beterbiev, who people call the best at 79.4 kg at the moment?
Of course it gives me motivation. Kicks my ass every time, every session. And not only him, but the other guy. They are tough, press me every day. And that's good for me.
- Do you think you will have a weight advantage in the ring with Bivol?
Yes, I will be completely different. Because I am bigger, I have great skills and it will be a great night for me.
We don't hear that much from Bivol, what do you think he's doing?
— Enjoying Dubai now [laughs]. I have seen several stories that he has published.
"So you're watching what he's doing?"
— Yes, always. I look not only for him, but also for other fighters, because I am not only a fighter, but also a fan.