Dmitry Bivol is ready to seize the eyeballs. After spending 2023 on the sidelines, he wants to put his career back on momentum, as he faces Lyndon Arthur this Saturday, December 23, at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The WBA light heavyweight champion eagerly awaits what lies ahead for him in 2024. What’s more, he certainly envisages a showdown with Artur Beterbiev for the undisputed crown of the 175-pound division.

The Russian fighter had a remarkable 2022 when he comfortably brushed aside Canelo Álvarez and Gilberto Ramírez. A win against Alvarez put him in the limelight, but he failed to bank on it. The 33-year-old instead took a break this year and mostly catered to his right hand. However, he wants to end the year on a high note by defeating Lyndon Arthur, which will set the wheels for the Artur Beterbiev fight in motion.

Fighting Lyndon Arthur: It’s all a setup for Artur Beterbiev

Dmitry Bivol is coming off a year-long layoff since his title defense against Gilberto Ramirez in November 2022. He must shed ring rust and sharpen his skills before he exchanges punches with the winner of Artur Beterbiev vs. Callum Smith on January 13.

If Bivol and Beterbiev win their respective bouts, they will be on a collision course in the second quarter of 2024. Their supposed fight will see all four belts on the line, and that’s what Bivol has set his sights on. After spending over four years as a WBA super champion and defending the strap four times, he wants a new challenge to bolster his resume.

Bivol has undoubtedly spent over six years as a WBA champion, getting promoted from regular to super champion. He wants to ascertain his place among the best, and Beterbiev is the one boxer that he has to take down first. Similarly, his two-fight deal with the Saudis will ensure money is available to set up the super fight of Beterbiev vs. Bivol.

Dmitry Bivol: A dream to become a unified champion

Bivol, at 21-0, has specified his intent to fight for the belts next. To him, the opponent doesn’t matter as long as the belts are put on the line. The Tokmok native expressed with determination, “I want to fight for belts. [Artur] Beterbiev or [Callum] Smith, it doesn’t matter. I want the winner of this fight.”

However, Bivol feels a fight with Beterbiev is what the fans will get. “Now, it’s very close, and in 2024, it could happen,” Bivol suggested with a glimmer of hope when asked about the undisputed light heavyweight fight between him and the IBF, WBC, and WBO champion Beterbiev. He continued, “Yeah, we’re talking about Saudi. Saudi is very interested in making this fight happen.”

While Beterbiev is the more experienced boxer of the two, neither his age nor his resume evokes fear among rivals. Despite winning all 19 fights by KO, his boxing skills are limited as he doesn’t fight well at range. His footwork and feet at close range leave a lot to be desired when compared to Bivol, who is excellent with his positioning and movement.

Beterbiev might never take the KO position, as Bivol will assume control of the fight and leave the arena with all his belts. Moreover, Bivol’s Beterbiev victory might even tempt another boxer to move up once again and challenge him a second time. But this time for the undisputed title of 175.

Canelo Álvarez: unlocking the rematch

Bivol is currently not hotly pursuing a money-bag fight with Canelo Álvarez. He is content with reigning supreme at 175, and Alvarez is in a similar position. “To be honest, I didn’t want a rematch too much,” Bivol told BoxingScene.

Read More: “It’s Very Interesting Fight But”: Sparred With David Benavidez and Defeated Canelo Alvarez Earlier, Dmitry Bivol Sheds Light on How Possible Saul vs Benavidez Fight Would Go Now

However, that might change soon if Bivol ends 2024 with all the gold that 175 has to offer and Alvarez is done picking apart either David Benavidez or Terence Crawford. Despite his reservations, Bivol won’t deny a rematch with Alvarez. A clash of undisputed champions—a high-voltage rematch with a heavy paycheck—is a deal too good to refuse. And it all goes through Beterbiev. 

What do you make of this amusing fight between Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev? Let us know in the comments below.

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