The potential matchup between Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev for the undisputed light heavyweight title is gaining traction, with key players expressing optimism for a summer showdown. This bout, pitting Bivol, the WBA titlist, against Beterbiev, the holder of the IBF, WBO, and WBC titles, is seen as one of the most exciting prospects in boxing, though it has been complicated by promotional and political hurdles.
Bivol, aligned with Matchroom and streaming service DAZN, and Beterbiev, promoted by Top Rank and associated with ESPN, find themselves at a crossroads due to exclusive content deals and broadcasting rights. Bob Arum of Top Rank has previously stated that he would only agree to this fight if it aired on ESPN.
Adding to the complexity is the WBC’s stance on Russian fighters in light of the Ukraine conflict, which prohibits sanctioning bouts involving Russian or Belarusian fighters. This policy has selectively affected Bivol, a Russian, while exempting Beterbiev, who also holds Canadian citizenship.
Despite these challenges, Vadim Kornilov, Bivol’s manager, remains hopeful. He has indicated that both Matchroom and Top Rank are prepared to negotiate the fight for next year, post-Ramadan, respecting Beterbiev’s religious observances. The fight’s timing is tentatively set for May, June, or July, contingent on Beterbiev’s successful title defense against Callum Smith in January.
Kornilov also mentioned the possibility of Middle Eastern backers, particularly from Saudi Arabia or the UAE, hosting the fight. This region has increasingly become a hub for major boxing events, as seen with Tyson Fury’s recent bout in Saudi Arabia. Bivol, having previously headlined in Abu Dhabi, finds the Middle East a favorable venue. As negotiations continue, the boxing world eagerly anticipates this high-stakes clash between two of the sport’s most formidable light heavyweights.
Image Credit: DAZN