The boxing scene is usually lit with news from the Heavyweight or lower divisions. But occasionally, an update from the Light Heavyweight knocks on the door to reveal that it is about to burst at the seams. The kind of talent it holds is undoubtedly a mouthwatering proposition for all die-hard fans. However, instances in the past have shown that despite what many fans would like to see as the best combination to fight inside the ring, the chances of its fruition coming to naught gradually follows. Even the words of promoters like Eddie Hearn fail to enthuse fans’ spirits.
Eddie Hearn is hopeful for Bivol vs. Beterbiev bout
It’s a fight that finds a mention in every fan’s bucket list besides the usual Tyson Fury versus Oleksandr Usyk or Tyson Fury versus Anthony Joshua. Of course, the perennial favorite, Terence Crawford versus Errol Spence Jr. As much as a flicker of hope appears, dark clouds of uncertainty looms over the Dmitry Bivol and Artur Bivol fight.
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Reportedly Hearn has displayed a keenness on Bivol and Beterbiev face-off. However, an apprehension of the latter not being available during the holy month of Ramadan seems to have forced the forty-three-year-old promoter to check out other alternatives.
Read More: Eddie Hearn Promises What PBC ‘Failed’ to Do for Deontay Wilder
talkSPORT’s online boxing editor Michael Benson shared a message yesterday. It read, “Eddie Hearn has revealed that he is in talks to potentially make Dmitry Bivol vs Artur Beterbiev for the undisputed light-heavyweight world titles in June in Abu Dhabi. However, there are also talks for Bivol vs Joshua Buatsi, followed by the Canelo Alvarez rematch in September.”
Eddie Hearn has revealed that he is in talks to potentially make Dmitry Bivol vs Artur Beterbiev for the undisputed light-heavyweight world titles in June in Abu Dhabi. However, there are also talks for Bivol vs Joshua Buatsi, followed by the Canelo Alvarez rematch in September.
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) February 21, 2023
Rather than raising any hopes, Hearn’s statements have helped raise dormant concerns and views of fans and followers.
Fans and followers speak their mind
@OnionRingsFroch pulled no punches in calling everyone involved good-for-nothings, barring Artur Beterbiev. After all, the latter recently defeated the most skillful Light Heavyweights of our times, Anthony Yarde.
Who? Who? Who? 3 bums. The only man I respect is Beterbiev who beat one of the best light heavyweights in the history of the sport in Anthony Yarde.
— Carl Froch (Parody) (@OnionRingsFroch) February 21, 2023
@Lewissu123 toed a similar line of thought. He reckoned whether Beterbiev was being sacrificed to advance the careers of Bivol, Canelo, and Buatsi. By the time the latter three are done fighting each other, the former, who is thirty-eight, would be too old to fight!
So in other words use Beterbiev’s name but just plan for 2 in-house fights (Buatsi and Canelo) and wait for Beterbiev to continue aging as he’s 38 already.
— Lewis Su (@Lewissu123) February 21, 2023
@moomoo_captain laid it on the line. Fans and followers are barely interested in watching a fight between Bivol and Buatsi. The promoters should understand the sentiments and organize battles involving big names.
Nobody wants bivol v Buatsi. Why can't these promoters get the big fights on?
— Steven (@moomoo_captain) February 21, 2023
@SGB798 minced no words and blamed Hearn for talking about big fights but rarely let them happen. All he does is get the best fighters in his roster to face aging boxers way past their prime.
Eddie hearn talks about making fights but never makes them . He only makes his stables fighters VS 40 years old has beens.
— SHIVAM (@SGB798) February 21, 2023
@PaulyFu63688695 wondered if Joshua Buatsi is the red herring to lure in Beterbiev for a low-priced fight. So if the Russian refuses to fight at a price, Hearn can always spread the talk that he demands way too much for the contest!
Joshua Buatsi probably being used as a smoke screen/trojan horse to lowball Beterbiev. Eddie wins if he gets Beterbiev relatively cheaply and if Beterbiev asks for whats really he worth then Eddie will say Beterbiev asked for too much money and then give the fight to Buatsi.
— Pauly Fuller (@PaulyFu63688695) February 21, 2023
@Ranbulz550 lamented that Eddie Hearn has turned into a good old double-dealing automobile salesperson. So he prefers keeping the good pieces out for everyone to see while decking up scrap pieces in the shadows. All the while, the rate on installments would be skyrocketing.
Eddie is turning quite the forked tongue car salesman. Best on the lot just for show but shining up and buffing out the dented ex rentals in the back. Oh and your monthly rate just tripled.
— Odd Man Out (@Ranbulz550) February 21, 2023
@ConveryScunner said what most boxing fans believe in. A match between Beterbiev and Bivol warrants similar respect to the fight between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk. Hence these big fights are critical for infusing a fresh lease of life into boxing.
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"THERE CAN ONLY BE ONE!!" One of the a double header with Fury v Usyk..Beterbiev V Bivol is massive to the industry and if we get Fury v Usyk those fights would do wonders for the Sports resurrection
— The Scunner Convery (@ConveryScunner) February 21, 2023
Additionally, Hearn seems keen on a rematch between Canelo Alvarez and Dmitry Bivol, possibly by September. But then, while it may benefit Buatsi, the question of a belt unification might persist for the division per se.
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What is your take on the above reactions? Do share your thoughts and views with us in the comments below.