Boxing News: Top Rank Promoter Bob Arum Provides Major Update on Potential Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol Fight, Teases Venue for the Clash

Artur Beterbiev, after a commanding defense of his WBC, IBF, and WBO titles against Callum Smith, is now setting his sights on the undisputed light-heavyweight title, targeting WBA champion Dmitry Bivol. Beterbiev’s impressive performance and undefeated record further solidify his position as a formidable force in the lightweight division. A victory against Bivol is all that stands between him and his title unification. According to Bob Aum, the match between the two is all but set. However, there still remains a question about the possible venue.

Since most fights are now heading to the Middle East, there were discussions about the upcoming fight being held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The Top Rank promoter has been trying to make the fight happen in the grandest possible fashion. Have Bob Arum’s efforts yielded results?

Is Saudi Arabia hosting Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol?

In short, yes. Saudi Arabia has been hosting boxing matches for years now. This last Riyadh season saw one of the biggest matches of the year between Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou go down. Riyadh even held the ‘Day of Reckoning’, which featured big heavyweight names like Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder on the same card. Arum spoke to His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, the head of sports and entertainment for the kingdom, who has shown considerable interest in making the fight happen.

As Michael Benson reported, His Excellency is ready to host the next massive bout in Riyadh.“Bob Arum has declared that he will be speaking to His Excellency Turki Alalshikh to make Dmitry Bivol vs Artur Beterbiev next. I’ve just been sent an instant reply from HE: ‘His Excellency Turki Alalshikh has a message to his father Bob Arum – let’s do it’.” wrote Benson as he informed fans of the news.

With Bivol’s two-fight deal with the Saudis already in place, this fight almost seems like a done deal now. Bivol’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, has also been trying for the fight to be made there. Eddie Hearn, while in discussions with Boxing Social, addressed the potential clash between the two best light heavyweights.

Is there a possible date already set?

Prior to the Beterbiev vs. Smith bout, Hearn outlined negotiations for Beterbiev vs. Bivol, revealing the initial plan for the fight to be made in Saudi Arabia with His Excellency. Hearn stated that Bivol is eager and ready to face Beterbiev.

Read More: “It’s the Top”: Following Callum Smith Knockout, Artur Beterbiev Confirms Dmitry Bivol Fight Next

Post-fight, Beterbiev also expressed his eagerness for the Bivol fight. Arum, who was happy with the sentiment, mentioned the possibility of the bout occurring approximately three months after Ramadan, indicating a potential date in mid-July for the highly anticipated matchup.

All the support that Beterbiev has been receiving inside and out of the ring is commendable. Do you think Beterbiev will be able to defend his belts or will Bivol take everything home?

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