Bivol vs Ramirez LIVE! Boxing results, fight stream, TV channel, latest updates and reaction

Bivol vs Ramirez - LIVE!

Dmitry Bivol was back in action on a huge night of boxing in Abu Dhabi. The Russian returned to the ring six months after halting Canelo Alvarez’s rise through the divisions in a huge upset, providing his first defeat for nine years on an unforgettable occasion. Now another feared Mexican has been tamed in the form of Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez.

Bivol put his WBA light-heavyweight belt on the line once again at Etihad Arena, maintaining his undefeated record and inflicting the first loss of former super-middleweight champion Zurdo’s career. A rematch with Canelo could now be on the cards in 2023, while the boxing world will eagerly await a mouthwatering showdown for all the belts at 175lbs against formidable compatriot Artur Beterbiev.

There was also a stacked undercard on Saturday, with Chantelle Cameron becoming the UK’s first women’s undisputed champion. Zelfa Barrett lost in his battle for the vacant IBF super-featherweight crown, while there were wins for brothers Galal and Kal Yafai and young Campbell Hatton.

Boxing schedule and results

Dmitry Bivol bt Gilberto Ramirez

Chantelle Cameron bt Jessica McCaskill

Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov bt Zelfa Barrett

Galal Yafai bt Gohan Rodriguez Garcia

John Lawrence Ordonio bt Majid Al Naqbi

Kal Yafai bt Jerald Paclar

Aqib Fiaz bt Diego Valtierra

Campbell Hatton bt Denis Bartos

Bivol vs Ramirez highlights

• Bivol masterclass to defeat Ramirez on points

• Cameron becomes UK’s first female undisputed champion

• Barrett cruelly stopped in super-featherweight title tilt

• Galal Yafai labours to win after brother Kal victorious on comeback

• Campbell Hatton chalks up latest victory early on card

23:01 , George Flood

Zurdo’s reaction to a first career loss that drops him to 44-1.

He says he felt he did enough to win, which is quite a claim!

He also says he will reflect and talk with his team before deciding whether or not to move up in weight again.

Bivol: I want to be undisputed champion

22:59 , George Flood

Here’s the post-fight interview from Bivol with DAZN.

He’s got his eyes firmly fixed on undisputed status at 175lbs, but still isn’t ruling out that Canelo rematch.

He’s even asked if he would entertain dropping down to super-middleweight for it. Surely not!

22:57 , George Flood

We just have to see Bivol-Beterbiev at some point, don’t we?

I can’t think of many other fights I want to see more than that showdown for all the marbles between two warriors and compatriots at light-heavyweight.

It won’t be next though, with Beterbiev expected to face Britain’s Anthony Yarde in January after that fight was initially postponed in October after the WBC, IBF and IBO champion pulled out due to injury.

That could surely open the door to a Canelo rematch first...

Bivol beats Ramirez by unanimous decision

22:47 , George Flood

118-110, 117-111, 117-111 - all in favour of Bivol!

He’s still the WBA light-heavyweight champion of the world.

Just utter class.

I wonder if Canelo was watching tonight...

Bivol vs Ramirez

22:44 , George Flood

Round 12

It’s Bivol who is looking more likely to seal the last-gasp knockout as the hyped Emirates Arena crowd enthusiastically chant his name!

There are some furious close-range exchanges, with the Russian thundering down powerful blows as Ramirez tries in vain to find that one knockout shot.

They go swinging to the final bell!

A masterclass from the champion. Superb.

Bivol vs Ramirez

22:40 , George Flood

Round 11

No shortage of heart from Ramirez, who is trying to make this a contest in the closing stages.

Bivol has become quite passive with so many rounds in the bag, but he’s still in full control and boxing nicely.

Determined from Zurdo, but he’s still not throwing the kitchen sink at this - which he really, really needs to.

The corner lay it all on the line before the start of the final round - “let everything go”.

Ramirez needs career knockout no31 here to avoid losing his unbeaten record...

Bivol vs Ramirez

22:36 , George Flood

Round 10

Arguably Bivol’s quietest round of the fight.

Very passive by comparison and allows Ramirez to push forward a bit, trying to land far more frequently to the body.

That’s a Zurdo round, but he’s too far behind now. He needs a knockout as we head in the penultimate round.

Bivol vs Ramirez

22:34 , George Flood

Round 9

Ramirez tries to back up Bivol in the ninth, pile on some pressure at last and make his power and size count.

Bivol allows him to build up ahead of steam and throw some flurries, before exploding with an ultra-fast counter-attack that includes several beautifully-timed punches that landed flush on Zurdo.

There is a sizable gap in speed, ring IQ and quality between these two.

This is a Bivol masterpiece at the moment. His penchant for turning defence into attack in the blink of an eye is absolutely unrivalled.

Bivol vs Ramirez

22:29 , George Flood

Round 8

Bivol launches another calculated assault and lets his hands go again against the ropes, but then lets him off the hook slightly.

Ramirez recovers and begins to have more success, looking to trap Bivol against those ropes.

But you’ll have a job to keep him there with that sort of speed and footwork.

He’s just too fast and wily.

Too many single shots from Ramirez, who needs volume, volume, volume as we head into the championship rounds.

Bivol vs Ramirez

22:26 , George Flood

Round 7

Love watching Bivol.

He moves in and out of range with such speed and grace, picking the right shots with effective timing, judgement and accuracy.

A brilliant left hook left its mark on Ramirez and he unloaded effectively there, trapping Ramirez near the ropes and getting through a few stinging rights.

Zurdo wants a firefight ideally, a chance to showcase his own power, but it’s Bivol who is bossing those exchanges.

His speed, ring IQ and footwork is remarkable. A pound-for-pound great in the current boxing landscape.

Ramirez firmly second best and surely well behind on the cards now.

Bivol vs Ramirez

22:20 , George Flood

Round 6

Through the halfway stage in Abu Dhabi and Bivol has taken control, he’s constantly on the front foot and landing that right hand nicely, judging the distance and levels well.

I’m not sure what the gameplan is here from Zurdo. He has to become the aggressor, get forward, put pressure on and make that power and greater size felt.

No chance he defeats the ultra-skilled Bivol in a battle of wits and pure boxing ability. He cannot win fighting off the back foot.

Bivol is growing in confidence with every passing second, timing his punches so well now with super accuracy.

A decent body shot towards the end of the sixth might give Zurdo some hope.

Bivol vs Ramirez

22:16 , George Flood

Round 6

Ramirez needs a reponse here as we head into the sixth...

Bivol vs Ramirez

22:15 , George Flood

Round 5

Ramirez is understandably cautious to try and make his power felt here - and that’s why as he’s tagged hard by a succession of accurate, stinging counters that hurt him!

Bivol is full of confidence now and even gets Zurdo backed up against the ropes, measuring him up as he looks to let his hands fly in a raging blur.

A really strong fifth from the champion, who rocked his opponent properly with that right hand.

Bivol vs Ramirez

22:12 , George Flood

Round 4

More like it from Bivol as he steps on the gas and a heavy right hand hurts Ramirez, who shrugs it off and immediately hits back with a combination early in the fourth.

Bivol back on the front foot now, keeping Zurdo backed up and unable or unwilling to risk trying to unleash his considerable power.

Ramirez - who you assumed would be the clear aggressor early on - finds the mark with a nice left hand before the bell, but he’s evidently struggling with Bivol’s speed.

3-1 Bivol? Or dead even at 2-2? It’s cagey stuff...

Bivol vs Ramirez

22:08 , George Flood

Round 3

A fascinating chess match this so far, punctuated by breathless bursts.

Ramirez is coping well with the challenge, throwing more punches and not taking the bait when Bivol tries to coax him into lunging forward so he can pick him off.

Bivol not particularly active in the third, not sure he’s quite managing to judge the distance effectively so far.

As well as his bulk, Ramirez has a very long reach.

Bivol vs Ramirez

22:04 , George Flood

Round 2

A surprise to see Bivol fighting actively on the front foot so early here - his speed is truly something to reckon with.

But Ramirez quickly grows into the second and tries to force the initiative - he won’t win this by fighting off the back foot.

Both men look sharp in the second, but I think that was shaded by the busier challenger.

Bivol vs Ramirez

22:00 , George Flood

Round 1

A cagey opening round finishes on a high as Bivol drives home a lovely right hand, with the former sparring partners then bumping chests before heading back to their respective corners.

Bivol is a tactical master and technically brilliant with lightning quick hands - he was the more efficient and active fighter in an otherwise quiet first, landing the more clean punches.

Ramirez is far more accustomed to being the aggressor...

Bivol vs Ramirez

21:58 , George Flood

We all knew about the size difference tonight, but it really is quite striking to see.

Bivol was obviously the far bigger fighter against Canelo, but Ramirez looks enormous!

Bivol vs Ramirez

21:56 , George Flood

HERE WE GO!

The main event is underway.

Can Bivol follow up his superb win over Canelo, or will Ramirez spring an upset?

These two are a combined 64-0, whose undefeated record will fall here...

21:54 , George Flood

You’ve got to give it up to Diamante here - his voice is all but gone but he’s still giving these introductions some welly!

Great noise inside the Etihad Arena.

A proper big fight feel to this clash of former sparring partners.

Chants of ‘Bivol, Bivol’ ring out as they touch gloves and receive their pre-fight instructions.

21:50 , George Flood

A typically understated entrance from Bivol, who looks all business and a picture of focus as he walks to the ring in a black robe.

21:48 , George Flood

Ramirez with plenty of support here tonight and he looks very relaxed on his way into the ring.

Now time for the champion...

21:46 , George Flood

Here comes Zurdo!

Ramirez decked out in white gown, gloves and shorts and a black cowboy hat as he’s serenaded to the ring.

Bivol vs Ramirez next

21:41 , George Flood

Just the main event to come now in Abu Dhabi!

Don’t go anywhere... Dmitry Bivol vs Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez is NEXT!

Chantelle Cameron becomes undisputed champion

21:38 , George Flood

97-93, 96-94, 96-94 - all in favour of Cameron!

Il Capo adds the WBA, IBO and WBO belts to her WBC and IBF titles to become the women’s undisputed light-welterweight champion.

What an achievement. Fully deserved.

Cameron vs McCaskill

21:34 , George Flood

Round 10

A valiant late effort in a cracking last round from McCaskill, who leaves nothing in the tank as she looks to finish strong.

Cameron has really slowed down over these last few rounds, but she negotiates her way to the final bell.

The Brit boxed wonderfully through the first half of this contest and is surely set to become the undisputed champion at light-welterweight.

Cameron vs McCaskill

21:32 , George Flood

Round 9

Both fighters try to let their hands go in the ninth.

McCaskill knows she has to throw everything at this and the right hand jolts Cameron again.

They are each feeling the pace, with Cameron’s face badly marked up.

This is far more like the McCaskill we know.

Into the final round we go. Does McCaskill need a knockout?

Cameron vs McCaskill

21:29 , George Flood

Round 8

Better again from McCaskill, who looks to have finally woken up!

She’s the aggressor now, judging the distance better, closing the gap and breaching Cameron’s defences with some decent punches, including a powerful right hand that was clearly felt by the WBC and IBF champion.

Too little, too late?

You’d probably give her the last three after a dreadful start...

Cameron vs McCaskill

21:26 , George Flood

Round 7

Another close round, possibly shaded by the improving McCaskill as Cameron’s work-rate drops off.

She’s had more success in these last couple of rounds and upped the pressure, finally landing some good punches.

Cameron still comfortable, but she just needs to be wary.

Cameron vs McCaskill

21:22 , George Flood

Round 6

A little bit better from McCaskill in the sixth, slightly sharper at times and one or two nice punches find their mark.

But enough to take the round? I’m not so sure.

It looks so bad when she loads up on an attempted big shot and ducks into Cameron’s punches, which happens yet again towards the end of the round.

Cameron vs McCaskill

21:19 , George Flood

Round 5

Both fighters let their hands go at the end of the fifth, but still tired, sluggish and flat from McCaskill.

She’s fallen into a deep funk and needs to snap out of it pronto, as she’s easily five rounds down here despite an ever-so-slight improvement in the fifth.

Is that early head clash to blame or was coming down in weight an issue?

Regardless, Cameron is cruising towards undisputed status in the women’s light-welterweight division.

Cameron vs McCaskill

21:16 , George Flood

Round 4

It’s all wrong from McCaskill, who is swinging wildly from a ridiculously wide position and just being picked off at will by Cameron, who is dominating with the jab, nice combinations and easy counters.

The American’s judgement of the distance and levels has been appalling up until now, ducking into shots repeatedly.

She’s handing it on a plate to Cameron at times, but that’s taking nothing away from the Briton, who has boxed beautifully so far tonight.

21:13 , George Flood

Cameron vs McCaskill

21:12 , George Flood

Round 3

Cameron with damage above the left eye from an earlier clash of heads that the DAZN broadcast suggest has been given as a reason by McCaskill’s team for why she has started so poorly here.

Absolutely wild from McCaskill, who can’t judge the distance whatsoever and doesn’t look right at all.

Easy work for Cameron at the moment, she’s far better at range, jabbing well and then comfortably winning the close-range battles.

3-0 at a canter in this scheduled 10-rounder.

Cameron vs McCaskill

21:09 , George Flood

Round 2

McCaskill, despite her wealth of experience, is looking a bit nervy here - she’s getting in close but then coming off notably worse from the furious exchanges.

Cameron is countering very nicely still and having success to both head and body, picking her shots well and showing good variety.

McCaskill - trying too hard to land a big shot - really struggling out of the gate and in a clear 0-2 hole.

She’s taking an unorthodox approach to the next level and it’s not working at all.

Cameron vs McCaskill

21:06 , George Flood

Round 1

A good opening round from Cameron.

McCaskill pushes forward with aggression, but she’s swinging wildly at times, way too open and getting suitably picked off.

Some good power on those effective counters from Cameron.

Cameron vs McCaskill next

21:01 , George Flood

Onto the co-main event of the night! David Diamante battling through these introductions despite losing his voice.

It’s a big one as Northampton’s Chantelle Cameron takes on Jessica McCaskill for all the belts in the women’s light-welterweight division.

Cameron has the WBC and IBF belts, while the WBA, IBO and WBO titles are all now vacant.

American McCaskill is looking to unify two divisions. She already reigns as the undisputed welterweight champion!

20:56 , George Flood

Joe Cordina, along with just about anyone else who is anyone in boxing, is at ringside tonight.

He has already signed to fight Rakhimov next year in an attempt to win back the title that he feels was unfairly stripped from him.

I think he will fancy his chances despite the emphatic nature of that stoppage.

20:51 , George Flood

DAZN reports that Barrett’s team have said there was no injury, his legs just went after all the relentless pressure from Rakhimov.

It looked liked an issue with his right leg at the time.

He completely lost his balance, maybe a burst eardrum or something as Sunny Edwards suggests here?

A courageous effort from Barrett whatever the case. I really thought he might do it.

Rakhimov stops Barrett to claim IBF world title

20:48 , George Flood

Heartbreaking for Barrett, who made such a brilliant start to this fight, dropping Rakhimov and looking on course to claim his first world title on a historic night.

But Rakhimov built the pressure thereafter and that ultimately told as he picks up the vacant IBF super-featherweight title, his second championship reign after previously holding the IBO strap.

He is the first Tajikistani fighter ever to hold a major boxing world title.

Apparently the referee did not see the towel come in but stopped the fight anyway.

Rakhimov vs Barrett

20:45 , George Flood

Round 9

There appears to be some sort of issue with Barrett’s leg!

Rakhimov sees it and goes for the jugular, pummelling a helpless Barrett, who can’t provide any defence and goes down in the corner!

Barrett obviously has a bad injury here and Rakhimov overwhelms him again, with Barrett’s trainer ready to throw in the towel.

Barrett is down again after another bruising flurry of punches.

THE FIGHT IS STOPPED! RAKHIMOV WINS!

Rakhimov vs Barrett

20:42 , George Flood

Round 8

Some wildly differing opinions of this engrossing battle across social media.

Rakhimov piling on the pressure again in the eighth, but he’s not digging to the body enough to try and bring Barrett to a standstill.

Barrett is slowing, but still some crisp scoring counters.

Rakhimov has come back into this a lot since that fast Barrett start, but he’s not doing enough with the pressure is he?

Rakhimov vs Barrett

20:39 , George Flood

Round 7

Rakhimov with a fine shot early in the seventh and he just misses with another that would have spelled major trouble.

He continues to apply the pressure, but a re-energised Barrett comes firing back with some more excellent counters, including a terrific right hand down the middle that packed plenty of power.

After a good couple of rounds from Rakhimov, that was exactly what he needed.

Rakhimov vs Barrett

20:35 , George Flood

Round 6

A quiet sixth, but probably another Rakhimov round as he continues to close the gap and slow Barrett’s previously stellar movement.

He’s missing a lot, but there is a lot of venom on these punches that will cause real damage if they find their mark.

Rakhimov vs Barrett

20:31 , George Flood

Round 5

Barrett slows down notably in the fifth as Rakhimov comes into the contest and provides a warning of the dangers he possesses.

Still some nifty countering, but he was much slower on his feet there and getting caught up close far more often, including a bruising left before the bell.

Understandably after such a quick start, but Barrett needs to get back on the move and not get caught square.

Rakhimov, who has 13 knockouts from 18 pro wins, will be looking to apply the pressure at every opportunity, cutting off the ring and letting his hands go.

Rakhimov vs Barrett

20:25 , George Flood

Round 4

Rakhimov’s head movement is dreadful and he cannot avoid that stinging Barrett uppercut.

More clean, spicy counters from the Englishman, who is showing brilliant variety in his shots and working both head and body.

Is this 3-1 or dare I say 4-0 Barrett with a 10-8 third?! A fantastic, fantastic start.

Rakhimov could be back into this with one punch but has a lot of work to do.

Rakhimov vs Barrett

20:22 , George Flood

Round 3

Rakhimov gets close and makes his power felt early in the third, but he’s then hurt by a special Barrett counter!

An excellent shot from Barrett, who looks full of confidence here.

Barrett gets away with a low blow and then smashes a dazed Rakhimov with another fast, accurate counter, with Rakhimov - desperately trying to stop his knees from touching the canvas - holding onto the ropes and it’s scored a knockdown! Superb uppercut from Barrett.

To his credit, Rakhimov comes back and lands again before the bell. Great drama.

Rakhimov vs Barrett

20:18 , George Flood

Round 2

Barrett gets tagged for the first time but does well to fire back with a pretty quick combination.

Rakhimov is doing his best to press continually and cut off the ring, with both men landing decent shots.

Barrett has to stay on the move here and keep firing smartly off the back foot. There will be problems if he gets caught square in front of the more powerful puncher.

But he’ll be happy so far. Rakhimov gets closer and closer to his goal but Barrett is still moving well, driving in his dangerous hook and landing more nice shots on the counter.

Rakhimov vs Barrett

20:13 , George Flood

Round 1

A fast start from Barrett!

His footwork and movement is smooth and he does well to land off the back foot and move out of range, with the aggressive Rakhimov trying to apply plenty of pressure.

Rakhimov vs Barrett

20:10 , George Flood

Joe Cordina won this belt of course with a second-round knockout of Kenichi Ogawa on a memorable night in Cardiff last summer, only to be controversially stripped of his first world title after pulling out of a first scheduled defence against Rakhimov tonight with a hand injury.

The winner of tonight’s bout will face Cordina in their first defence in 2023.

Rakhimov vs Barrett

20:05 , George Flood

The first of three major title fights tonight is now on the way!

It’s an enormous opportunity for Manchester’s Zelfa Barrett, who takes on Shavkat Rakhimov of Tajikistan for the vacant IBF super-featherweight gold.

Can the ‘Brown Flash’ - the ex-English, British, Commonwealth, Inter-Continental and European title-holder - become a world champion in his 30th pro contest?

He faces a really tough test against the Freddie Roach-trained Rakhimov, the former IBO champion, who drew with JoJo Diaz when competing for this belt in California last year.

Yafai vs Rodriguez Garcia

19:56 , George Flood

96-94 Yafai, 96-95 Rodriguez, 96-95 Yafai.

Yafai escapes from by far the toughest test of his young pro career to date with a close split-decision win, retaining the WBC International flyweight belt he picked up in his first fight.

No complaints from Rodriguez, who gave that a real go but falls to a second career loss.

Yafai vs Rodriguez Garcia

19:54 , George Flood

To the cards we go...

Yafai vs Rodriguez Garcia

19:53 , George Flood

Round 10

A bruising final round.

Yafai did enough for the win, but it was far from convincing.

A lot to work on, that’s for sure. The defence needs to improve so much, and quickly.

Yafai vs Rodriguez Garcia

19:49 , George Flood

Round 9

This is a long, long way from vintage Yafai, despite his impressive work-rate and pressure.

His defence is non-existent and so many of these rounds have been properly close.

He’s told by trainer Rob McCracken before the 10th and final round to make sure he wins this after a back-and-forth tussle.

19:47 , George Flood

As we go into the penultimate round of this fight, it’s being reported that Galal’s brother Kal was taken to hospital for precautionary checks following his earlier gruelling win over Jerald Paclar in which he was dropped in the first round and took quite a few heavy shots.

Wishing him all the best.

19:45 , George Flood

So many big names in attendance at ringside tonight.

Anthony Joshua, Amir Khan and Devin Haney just to name a few!

19:43 , George Flood

The champ arriving a little earlier on at Etihad Arena...

Yafai vs Rodriguez Garcia

19:42 , George Flood

Round 7

A good round for Rodriguez, who starts and finishes well with a selection of cracking counters mixed in as Yafai continues to stalk him relentlessly and takes plenty of shots on the way in while struggling to land his own cleanly.

As pointed out by the DAZN broadcast, the redness on the back and arms of the Mexican shows where the majority of Yafai’s punches have been landing so far.

The non-stop pressure and aggression will obviously score highly with the judges, but this is a significant test for the gold medalist, make no mistake.

Yafai vs Rodriguez Garcia

19:38 , George Flood

Round 6

Into the second half of this intriguing contest and it’s still a furious pace, with Yafai never letting up the pressure and smothering his opponent up close.

But it’s got to be said that he’s not landing much clean or of particular consequence.

Rodriguez Garcia will still feel he is doing the much cleaner work off the back foot.

Yafai vs Rodriguez Garcia

19:34 , George Flood

Round 5

More of the same in the fifth.

Yafai still maintaining that relentless pressure and probably landing the more eye-catching punches but still getting peppered with plenty of clean counters.

Again, the scoring of this will be interesting. He’s likely comfortably ahead due to coming forward all the time, but his defence is so ropey and there have been so many clean shots landed by Rodriguez Garcia.

Yafai vs Rodriguez Garcia

19:28 , George Flood

Round 4

Rodriguez Garcia is under constant pressure now, with the relentless and determined Yafai having more success with that jolting left.

The Olympic gold medalist is walking through those snappy counters and judging the distance better as we go along, piecing together some useful combinations.

But he ate a number of straight shots again in that round as he tried to keep the pressure on at all times - the head movement has got to be better, which he’s told in the corner before the fifth.

You wonder if it will take Yafai going in with a powerhouse at the weight to start getting that message.

Rodriguez, for all his stylish countering, is not that.

Yafai vs Rodriguez Garcia

19:24 , George Flood

Round 3

Yafai the aggressor now, walking down and pressuring Rodriguez Garcia, who is efficient at flitting out of range and landing decent counters on the way out.

Yafai with a couple of nice left hands in the third, but he’s still getting tagged far, far too much. But he’s clearly not concerned about the power of his opponent.

Nevertheless, that was probably his round. 2-1 Rodriguez?

Yafai vs Rodriguez Garcia

19:20 , George Flood

Round 2

This is a really entertaining fight thus far, with two talented boxers with lovely footwork content to trade a lot at close quarters.

One or two flashes from Yafai in that round, but he’s getting hit way too much at the moment - a lack of head movement has been notable in his pro career thus far.

Yafai vs Rodriguez Garcia

19:17 , George Flood

Round 1

A sprightly start from Rodriguez Garcia, who tries to take the initiative and throws plenty from the first bell.

You’ve got to give that opening round to the energetic and fleet-footed Mexican, who uncorks a couple of eye-catching body shots late in the first.

A learning round for Yafai, who looks to be in a real test.

Yafai vs Rodriguez Garcia

19:12 , George Flood

Here we go!

This fight is scheduled for 10 rounds, though Yafai has thus far produced fifth and second-round stoppages as a pro.

No build-up fights for him, it’s been straight in to decent-level contests as they look to quickly move him up the ranks.

Yafai vs Rodriguez Garcia next

19:08 , George Flood

Next it’s the third professional outing for Great Britain’s Tokyo 2020 flyweight gold medalist Galal Yafai, who has already knocked out Carlos Vado Bautista and Miguel Cartagena, picking up the WBC International belt in the process.

At 29, the star Olympian being fast-tracked to world title contention, having initially been supposed to fight on the cancelled Chris Eubank Jr-Conor Benn card in London last month.

The 12-1-1 Gohan Rodriguez Garcia, a 20-year-old Mexican already with 14 pro bouts under his belt, has the unenviable task of stopping a Yafai double at the Etihad Arena tonight.

A step up, but expect this to be far more comprehensive than his older brother.

Al Naqbi upset by Ordonio

19:00 , George Flood

40-36, 40-36, 39-37 - all in favour of Ordonio, who sinks to his knees in tears after an upset win.

The crowd is silent as home favourite Al Naqbi is handed his first professional defeat to fall to 7-1.

He can have no complaints.

Al Naqbi vs Ordonio

18:59 , George Flood

Round 4

An electric, wildly entertaining final round as Al Naqbi tries to step up but Ordonio also lets his hands go in a thrilling firefight.

Al Naqbi is even taunting him at times, despite being hit hard by numerous spiteful flurries. Go figure!

It’s so unorthodox from Ordonio, but he’s landing some brutal shots in a number of battering advances.

He’s surely won this on the cards. Surely!

Al Naqbi vs Ordonio

18:55 , George Flood

Round 3

Ordonio fires off a couple of quickfire bursts that back Al Naqbi up against the ropes, though he goes shooting back with a solid left of his own.

That might have hurt the Filipino, whose relentless work-rate has just dropped off a note.

I’ll be interested to see how this is being scored. Al Naqbi might have taken that one and you could very, very generously hand him the second if you were giving the benefit to the home fighter.

But it’s not been impressive from Al Naqbi at all. You could also understandably have it 3-0 to Ordonio.

Al Naqbi vs Ordonio

18:50 , George Flood

Round 2

Al Naqbi just hasn’t got going so far - something he cannot afford in a two-rounder.

It’s extremely untidy from Ordonio, but he’s landing the better punches and has surely taken those opening two rounds.

Al Naqbi will have to switch on quickly here to even claim a draw. Otherwise his unbeaten record is gone.

A victory will surely depend on a knockdown from this point.

Al Naqbi vs Ordonio

18:47 , George Flood

Round 1

A decent right hand from Al Naqbi before the bell gives Ordonio something to think about.

But otherwise that was an entirely uncomfortable opening round from the home fighter, who looked really out-of-sorts, uncertain and unable to deal with the constant pressure from a wild opponent.

It’s unorthodox from Ordonio, who is constantly going at him and swinging wildly, but it’s an approach that might just pay off in a four-rounder.

Al Naqbi vs Ordonio

18:44 , George Flood

A good reception for Al Naqbi as we get underway.

British fight fans may remember the Emirati from his only fight outside the UAE so far, when he stopped Ilia Beruashvili on the Anthony Joshua-Andy Ruiz II undercard in Saudi Arabia back in December 2019.

This is his fourth fight of the year already after wins over Terence Mokamby Sameh, Nnachi Chukwuemeka Kalu and Said Baguani.

Ordonio, meanwhile, has lost twice already in 2022 to Antonio Siesmundo and Taiga Imanaga.

Al Naqbi vs Ordonio up next

18:40 , George Flood

Kal’s brother Galal is in action soon, but first there’s a four-round super-lightweight fight on the schedule.

Unbeaten Emirati fighter and three-time national champion Majid Al Naqbi takes on Paclar’s 7-4-1 compatriot John Lawrence Ordonio.

Quite a crowd has already built inside the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.

How they would love the 7-0 home favourite to take another big step in his pro career tonight.

Kal Yafai outpoints Jerald Paclar after tough test

18:34 , George Flood

96-93, 96-93, 95-94 - Yafai wins his comeback contest via unanimous decision.

But those are close cards that demonstrate how we could easily have had an upset to open tonight’s main undercard.

I think the crowd were expecting a Paclar victory - they boo the scores read out by David Diamante.

Yafai vs Paclar

18:31 , George Flood

Round 10

Paclar goes for broke before the bell, letting his hands go and swarming Yafai against the ropes.

But he can’t secure the knockout he likely needed to avoid defeat on the biggest night of his career.

We’ll await the judges’ scorecards, but Yafai - after a nightmare start - surely did enough over the second half of the fight to take this on points.

But so much work to do after two-and-a-half years away if he is to prove a contender at 118lbs.

Yafai vs Paclar

18:27 , George Flood

Round 9

Yafai sustains the pressure in the penultimate round of this bantamweight clash, buzzing Paclar with another stinging left hook to the head.

Paclar demonstrated the danger he still poses with a flashy counter right a little earlier, but this one has got away from him quite quickly after such an energetic and eye-catching first few rounds.

Yafai vs Paclar

18:25 , George Flood

Round 8

Yafai is really growing in confidence here.

He’s having success with that left hook upstairs and keeps pummelling away at the body, tiring an exhausted Paclar even further.

It was a lightning start from The Predator, but he’s slowed so much over the last few rounds.

Yafai vs Paclar

18:20 , George Flood

Round 7

Paclar is really feeling the pace now and that right hand is missing a lot.

It’s become a real engrossing war of attrition here, with Paclar spitting out the mouthguard as the seconds tick down in the seventh.

Yafai is putting on a lot of pressure now, his body-punching having the desired effect.

But as we said before, he is very open indeed with poor footwork if a tired Paclar can get that fearsome right back on target.

Yafai vs Paclar

18:15 , George Flood

Round 6

Better work from Yafai, still digging to the body and continually slowing the pace of Paclar.

But there goes The Predator again with a right and left combo that hurts his opponent, whose legs are looking uncertain once more.

Paclar hurls himself into another attempted assault before the bell in the sixth, but Yafai - whose footwork has looked ropey tonight to say the least - on this occasion does manage to manoeuvre himself out of range and prevent himself from being tagged hard again.

It’s been undeniably better from Yafai in the last couple of rounds, but he’s still looking very vulnerable at times.

Yafai vs Paclar

18:09 , George Flood

Round 5

Yafai begins to slow a tiring Paclar with a raft of effective body shots.

Paclar is down on his knees with just under a minute-and-a-half to go in the fifth, having caught a nasty left hook full force below the belt.

Here come the boos as he takes a minute to compose himself before the action resumes.

You can hear Rob McCracken constantly barking instructions at Yafai from the corner.

Yafai vs Paclar

18:05 , George Flood

Round 4

Yafai’s best round of the fight so far, though that’s hardly saying much.

A smarter, more methodical approach, he landed better and snuck in a decent uppercut before the bell.

But it’s still all looking very awkward and difficult. An enormous amount of ring rust to shake off after two-and-a-half years away.

Yafai vs Paclar

18:02 , George Flood

Round 3

Yafai absorbs more punishment, looks to eat a solid hook and goes down again, but this time it’s generously ruled a slip.

Yafai, to his credit, then looks to build some momentum and get back into this contest, but he’s quickly rocked again by another peach of a well-timed right hand from Paclar.

Some power on display from ‘The Predator’, the 24-year-old with a 16-5-3 record who is fighting outside of his native Philippines for only the second time tonight, having lost to Yanga Sigqibo in South Africa last year.

Three rounds comfortably in the bag for underdog Paclar, who should have had a second knockdown.

What a performance to announce himself so far.

Yafai vs Paclar

17:58 , George Flood

Round 2

Spoke too soon!

Paclar hurts Yafai again towards the end of round two with a jolting overhand right.

That right hand is a real weapon for the Filipino.

This is not going well at all for Yafai so far. He’s all over the place.

Yafai vs Paclar

17:56 , George Flood

That was a beauty of a strong right hand straight down the middle from Paclar, who had prised open Yafai’s defences with a simple left jab.

Inevitable ring rust for former Olympian Kal, who is getting back on course in round two so far.

A bizarre approach from Paclar so far in the second... he’s been somewhat passive when he should surely have gone for the jugular again.

Yafai vs Paclar

17:52 , George Flood

Round 1

YAFAI IS DOWN IN THE FIRST!

The right hand detonates from Paclar and he’s still got 30 seconds left to survive here.

Yafai looks to be up too early in the referee’s count and he can’t get his legs back underneath him.

Paclar hunts a first-round finish for a career-best victory as Yafai staggers all over the place but the bell comes to the Brit’s rescue in the end.

Wow! He had been doing okay up until that point. Can he recover?!

Yafai vs Paclar first on main undercard

17:48 , George Flood

The main undercard is about to get underway in Abu Dhabi!

First up it’s a 10-round Champion Series affair between former WBA super-flyweight champion Kal Yafai and Filipino Jerald ‘The Predator’ Paclar.

The elder brother of Galal and Gamal is back, campaigning at bantamweight after a break of some two-and-a-half years since he last fought.

He has not been seen in the ring since losing his title to Roman ‘Chocolatito’ Gonzalez in Texas back in February 2020.

Can he mark his return with a bang?

Bivol refuses war of words with ‘attention-seeking’ Ramirez

17:39 , George Flood

Ramirez obviously doesn’t lack self-belief, though the quiet Bivol has refused to be drawn into a war of words with tonight’s challenger.

“I don’t know why he’s so confident,” the Russian said this week. “For me, it doesn’t matter. Maybe because he never lost.

“Maybe he wants attention. It doesn’t make sense now. It’s all about fighting. It’s all about actions in the ring. I can say whatever I want, I should prove it in the ring.

“I don’t like [trash talking]. If he wants, he can talk. It doesn’t matter to me.”

De La Hoya: Bivol did not want ‘dangerous’ Ramirez challenge

17:25 , George Flood

While the ultra-slick, skilled and smart Bivol is the favourite to successfully defend his title once again in tonight’s main event, Ramirez is unquestionably a dangerous challenger.

Undefeated and vastly experienced at 44-0, the aggressive Mexican southpaw has an obvious size advantage, having bulked up enormously since moving up from super-middleweight three years ago.

So dangerous in fact that promoter Oscar De La Hoya insists that Bivol’s camp wanted nothing to do with the bout until forced to accept the mandatory by the WBA.

"I can't speak for the boxers, I can't speak for the styles. It seems to me that Ramirez has a great chance to win,” he said.

“Believe me, when I say this, nobody wanted this fight on Bivol's side. It's a dangerous fight. The WBA made the right decision.

“They came to an agreement that Bivol has to fight Zurdo Ramirez and that can be an advantage for Zurdo Ramirez. In Bivol's head, maybe he was thinking about fighting someone else, maybe the Canelo rematch.”

Campbell Hatton reaction

17:15 , George Flood

Dad Ricky certainly would have been proud of that one!

A long way to go for young Campbell of course, but promising signs after an up-and-down start to his pro career.

Al Nuaimi stops Haque

17:07 , George Flood

An entertaining final ‘Before the Bell’ tussle between Al Nuaimi and Haque, ended by a vicious right hand directly to the solar plexus from the former in round seven.

It completely took the wind out of Haque, who to be fair more than played his part in the contest despite being a very late replacement opponent.

Al Nuaimi is now 9-0 with six stoppages.

Bivol eyeing Beterbiev over Canelo rematch

16:57 , George Flood

The C word (by which I mean Canelo, of course) has inevitably come up often for Bivol this week as the Mexican plots a rematch in 2023 to fix a rare blot on his illustrious copybook, having moved on instead to a third lucrative fight with arch-rival Gennady Golovkin in September that he won with ease.

However, while Bivol is certainly not ruling out a money-spinning second clash with Canelo, he insists he is more focused on becoming undisputed at light-heavyweight as he eyes a blockbuster showdown with compatriot and WBC, IBF and WBO 175lbs champion Artur Beterbiev.

“It’s a business, but I have my goal. I want to move forward,” he told Fight Hub TV.

“I’ve said it before; I don’t have too much more time in my career. I’m 32 years old soon, and I have to move forward as much as I can. But it could happen. It’s not the baddest of options if I fight Canelo again, but my priority is another belt.

“Yeah, money is good, but legacy, I think is better. I love money too. Everyone loves money, but money is not what I think about when I came to boxing. I want to make history. If I think about money, I would never be here.”

Wins for Fiaz and Al Bloushi on early undercard

16:43 , George Flood

The impressive Lancashire super-featherweight Aqib Fiaz has just moved to 10-0 with a dominant performance against experienced Spaniard Diego Valtierra, winning handily 80-72, 80-72, 79-73 on the judges’ scorecards.

UAE lightweight Fahad Al Bloushi outpointed Georgian Irakli Shariashvili in the first bout of the day.

A scheduled eight-rounder at super-flyweight between another Emirati fighter in Sultan Al Nuaimi and India’s Sohaib Haque is now finishing off the ‘Before the Bell’ action in Abu Dhabi.

Watch: Brutal Hatton quickly moves to 9-0

16:36 , George Flood

Here’s the DAZN footage of that wicked Hatton body blow...

Campbell Hatton delivers first-round knockout

16:35 , George Flood

There has already been plenty of action on the early portion of the fight card in Abu Dhabi today.

Earlier on, Campbell Hatton reeled off his ninth successive professional win with an emphatic first-round stoppage of Denis Bartos, crumpling the helpless Czech challenger with a brutal body shot that had echoes of dad Ricky’s best weapon.

Bivol vs Ramirez prediction

16:28 , George Flood

Bivol unsurprisingly goes into the fight as a strong favourite, after his superb win over Canelo to halt the Mexican’s seemingly unstoppable charge through the divisions.

However, it’s unlikely to be an entirely straightforward night for the 31-year-old, particularly if there’s any sort of drop in intensity in what is likely to be a far more low-key atmosphere than he experienced in Las Vegas earlier this year.

Despite fighting for much of his career at super-middleweight, Ramirez will have both a height and reach advantage in the ring on Saturday night, and he has won all of his fights since moving up in weight by knockout.

The Mexican is an aggressive fighter and has certainly earned his shot at a world title, but he will have to take risks in closing the distance if he is to enjoy any sort of success.

Bivol is likely to want to avoid too many exchanges, knowing he has a significant advantage if it turns into a technical fight and he can outbox Ramirez at range.

Both fighters are durable enough that there’s a strong chance the bout goes the distance, with Bivol doing enough on the cards even if he has to come through some slightly shaky moments.

Bivol to win by unanimous decision.

Undercard in full

16:27 , George Flood

Dmitry Bivol vs Gilberto Ramirez

Chantelle Cameron vs Jessica McCaskill

Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov vs Zelfa Barrett

Galal Yafai vs Gohan Rodriguez Garcia

Kal Yafai vs Jerald Paclar

Sultan Al Nuaimi vs Sohaib Haque

Aqib Fiaz vs Diego Valtierra

Campbell Hatton vs Denis Bartos

Fahad Al Bloushi vs Irakli Shariashvili

Majid Al Naqbi vs John Lawrence Ordonio

How to watch Bivol vs Ramirez

16:26 , George Flood

TV channel: In the UK, Bivol vs Ramirez is being shown live on DAZN, with coverage of the undercard getting underway at 5.30pm GMT.

A subscription to DAZN currently costs £7.99 a month in the UK.

Timings

16:26 , George Flood

The early portion of today’s undercard is already well underway at Etihad Arena - we’ll bring you right up to date with all the results as they happened in just a moment.

The main undercard is due to start between 5:30pm GMT and 6pm, with ring walks for the main event expected at around 9pm.

But as ever, those timings are subject to change!

Welcome to Bivol vs Ramirez LIVE coverage!

16:20 , George Flood

Good evening and welcome to Standard Sport’s latest boxing LIVE coverage!

Tonight’s action comes from Abu Dhabi, where Dmitry Bivol returns to action six months after his stunning win over Canelo Alvarez to put his WBA (Super) light-heavyweight title on the line once again versus another celebrated Mexican in the form of Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez.

There’s also quite the undercard to look forward to at Etihad Arena and plenty of British title interest, with Chantelle Cameron attempting to become women’s undisputed light-welterweight champion and Zelfa Barrett challenging for the vacant IBF super-featherweight gold.

Brothers Galal and Kal Yafai are also in action, while we’ve already seen the latest professional steps from young Campbell Hatton.

Follow all tonight’s boxing action live right here!

Click here to read the full blog on The Evening Standard's website