WBA light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol (20-0, 11 KOs) is only focused at the moment on his upcoming mandatory defense against former WBO super middleweight champion Gilberto "Zurdo" Ramirez.

Their fight will take place at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates on November 5.

Bivol is coming off the biggest win of his career.

Back in May, he outboxed Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez over twelve rounds of action. Canelo, a four division champion, suffered his first career defeat since September of 2013.

Obviously the goal for Bivol is to face Artur Beterbiev - who holds the WBO, WBA, IBF light heavyweight titles. Beterbiev has a mandatory defense against Anthony Yarde in early 2023.

Ramirez is a very dangerous opponent - one that Bivol cannot overlook.

“Yes, maybe it’s one of the toughest fights in my career. I’m thinking like that every time before my fights. I want to say thank you to you Eddie and Matchroom, and everyone in Abu Dhabi. Everyone who wanted to make this fight," Bivol said.

"I’m glad to defend my title in Abu Dhabi. I heard this is the first time that someone has defended a world title in Abu Dhabi. It’s great to be the first. I hope it’s not the last time in Abu Dhabi. Thank you to Ramirez for this fight. I know he wanted this fight a long time. Me too. Now it will happen. He is a good fighter and I like challenges. I like to fight against the guy who has won 44 fights and who is bigger than me and taller than me. This is a big challenge for me. I hope it will be a great fight on November 5.

"I have to be focused only on this fight. Every time when I have a fight I’m focused on that fight. Of course I have great plans in my head, I want to be the best fighter in the world. I want to get more belts, but now I have a big fight against a good fighter. I try to be focused only on November 5.”