Dmitry Bivol Eyes June Showdown with Artur Beterbiev for Undisputed Light Heavyweight Crown
Dmitry Bivol is itching to step back into the ring for a tune-up fight in January, with his sights set on a potentially career-defining clash in June against Artur Beterbiev for the undisputed light heavyweight championship. Bivol's hunger for the fight is palpable, but Beterbiev is skeptical, labeling him as all talk and no action. Bivol, with an impressive record of 21-0 with 11 knockouts, is eager to defend his WBA light heavyweight title after dealing with injuries in the past year, his last bout taking place in November 2022 when he defeated Gilberto Ramirez. However, before jumping into the ring with Beterbiev, his management is exploring potential opponents for the January showdown, including the likes of Ronald Gavril and Radivoje 'Hot Rod' Kalajdzic. The decision to consider these fighters has raised some eyebrows, as Bivol's choice of opponents could be seen as less challenging. Nevertheless, it's essential for Bivol to make a successful return to the ring and avoid the risk of further injuries. While the desire for a fight against Beterbiev burns brightly within Bivol, the focus right now should be on his immediate return and the preparation for the January match. If Bivol secures the victory and Beterbiev successfully takes on Callum Smith in January, discussions for a high-stakes showdown in May or July next year could be on the horizon. However, it's worth noting that the WBC's involvement in sanctioning the fight between Beterbiev and Bivol remains uncertain due to recent statements from WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman regarding the Russian-Ukraine conflict. Nonetheless, Bivol is eager to get back to action and aims to create a spectacular bout in the near future, with the Middle East being one of the potential host locations. While a rematch with Canelo Alvarez may be on some fans' minds, Bivol remains focused on his weight class for now, expressing the need for concrete actions rather than mere discussions. Bivol's boxing journey is poised for a thrilling chapter in 2023, with the aim of adding another divisional title to his collection. His dedication to honing his skills and adaptability will likely play a pivotal role in his continued success in the ring.
