Dmitry Bivol. Picture by Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing
WBA mild heavyweight titleholder Dmitry Bivol is within the strategy of locking in his first struggle of 2023. He has been linked to a return in opposition to present undisputed tremendous middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez, for later this 12 months, however first has a tentative date in June. It’s believed that Jaime Munguia and Joshua Buatsi have been additionally in talks that in the end got here to nothing.
Bivol, The Ring’s No. 1 rated mild heavyweight, would welcome the chance to face the opposite titleholder at 175 kilos.
“I’ve been telling my crew, I wish to face [Artur] Beterbiev subsequent,” Bivol (21-0, 11 knockouts) advised The Ring by supervisor Vadim Kornilov. “My purpose is unification fights this 12 months!”
The 32-year-old stylist admits to participating in one thing of a reconnaissance mission when Beterbiev met Anthony Yarde in London in late January.
“I noticed some elements of the struggle. It was struggle. Each boxers confirmed toughness and willpower.” Bivol stated.
When requested if he realized something new, he smiled and most well-liked to maintain his powder dry, providing a easy, “Perhaps.”
This bout seems unlikely to be subsequent, as Beterbiev, who holds the IBF, WBC and WBO titles, has been ordered to face his WBC obligatory Callum Smith.
Kornilov, famed for guiding Ruslan Provodnikov, Viktor Postol, Radzhab Butaev and Murodjon Akhamdaliev, hopes to get his fighter into the ring this summer season after which have a look at making a struggle with Beterbiev (19-0, 19 KOs).
“We’re centered on getting Dmitry again within the ring in June and there are a few opponent choices,” defined Kornilov. “After that, we are going to hope that every thing aligns for the Beterbiev struggle for [the] undisputed [championship]. That’s the greatest matchup on the market proper now, two undefeated boxers, each on the pound-for-pound record.”
Kornilov additionally welcomes speak of a rematch with Canelo, although will not be certain it’ll occur.
“I do imagine that [Promoter] Eddie [Hearn], the followers and DAZN need the rematch,” he stated. “There isn’t a doubt this struggle is engaging, as it is a struggle Canelo clearly misplaced by majority of the rounds. I’m certain Canelo personally needs revenge as nicely. On the similar time, I don’t assume Canelo’s crew needs this struggle and every thing might be performed to attempt to keep away from this rematch and I don’t blame them.
“Canelo has stated within the press that he solely misplaced by a few rounds within the struggle, then he stated he wished to struggle Dmitry subsequent in Could and now he’s all in. On the finish of the day, actions converse louder than phrases.”
Questions and/or feedback will be despatched to Anson at [email protected] and you may observe him on Twitter @AnsonWainwright.
