As per the latest updates, Mauricio Sulaiman, the president of WBC has reiterated that the organization “still has a ban on Russian fighters” and likewise will not sanction Canelo Alvarez vs. Dmitry Bivol II at 168 lbs. Due to Russia invading Ukraine last year, the WBC imposed a ban on all active Russian fighters and removed them from the rankings. If Bivol fought Alvarez at 168 lbs, the Russian would compete for Alvarez’s WBC world super middleweight title and the WBC cannot have it unless Bivol went through their “process of exemption“.
While Bivol wanted to rematch Canelo at 168 lbs, the Mexican boxer stated he would fight Bivol once again at 175 lbs. Given the recent statements by Mauricio Sulaiman, the rematch between Canelo Alvarez and Dmitry Bivol at 168 lbs seems improbable for the time being.
The boxing fans react to the WBC’s unwillingness to sanction Canelo Alvarez vs. Dmitry Bivol II
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Bivol’s team earlier expressed their goal was to become undisputed. Hence, they either wanted to fight Artur Beterbiev or Alvarez at 168 lbs. Other than Canelo Alvarez’s consent, now the fight with the Mexican at 168 lbs would be possible if Bivol is exempted. After Michael Benson tweeted the news, several fans reacted to it. Here is what they are saying. One stated, “Sulaiman doing team Canelo’s bidding as they don’t wish to fight Bivol at 168″.
Sulaiman doing team Canelo's bidding as they don't wish to fight Bivol at 168
— Conor Hen (@Conor_Hen_Boxer) May 16, 2023
Meanwhile, one user asked them to “Make the Benavidez fight happen then“.
Make the Benavidez fight happen then
— Johnathan (@theprism89) May 16, 2023
According to one fan, “They’re upset that Canelo lost and Canelo will lose again.”
Lol. They're upset that Canelo lost and Canelo will lose again.
— bombs boxing™ (@bombsboxing) May 16, 2023
On the other end, a user accused Sulaiman of disrespecting Russian fighters. “Not only is Sulaiman disrespecting the Russian fighters, now he’s doing his boy Canelo dirty. Canelo been wanting that fight with Bivol,” they commented.
not only is Sulaiman disrespecting the Russian fighters, now he’s doing his boy Canelo dirty. Canelo been wanting that fight with Bivol.
— ramzy (@ramzrizzo) May 16, 2023
Moreover, one said, “This is plainly double standard.”
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This is plainly double standards. The US have been at war for the last hundred years and US athletes faced no bans.
— Michael Aurora (@MichaelAurora3) May 16, 2023
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What do you have to say about the WBC’s decision? In addition, who do you want to see Canelo Alvarez go against? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
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