Boxing News: Dmitry Bivol Signs for Undisputed Title Fight; Upto Artur Beterbiev Now to Fulfill His Side of Bargain

This news is bound to bring a few smiles. Matchroom Boxing‘s Eddie Hearn has revealed that light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol has formally signed up to square off against Artur Beterbiev to settle the long-pending, undisputed argument.

The fight, tentatively scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia, is, however, subject to the outcome of tomorrow’s fight between Beterbiev and Callum Smith. The Englishman, a former super middleweight title holder, has challenged the Canadian-Russian champion for his unified belts. The latter remains the heavy favorite to win the battle in Quebec City, Canada. However, the situation might completely change if Smith spins a historic upset. Dmitry Bivol defended his title from Lydon Arthur last month in Riyadh on the ‘Anthony Joshua–Otto Wallin: Day of Reckoning main card event. Artur Beterbiev, on the other hand, returns after a year-long gap.

It’s there, but let’s wait for tomorrow: Eddie Hearn

So reportedly, the Matchroom honcho acknowledged that Dmitry Bivol has signed up for the agreement that will see him fight Artur Beterbiev. The winner of the fight will become the next undisputed champion in the 175-pound weight class. But for the bout to turn up, it’s important that the unified lightweight champion continues with his winning streak.

Eddie Hearn is currently in Canada. He clarified that there’s no agreement currently in hand for a fight between Bivol and Smith. If the latter does the unthinkable and sails past Fort Beterbiev. He was replying to a reporter’s query on the much-vaunted fight. Hearn explained that the plan that came up in Saudi Arabia envisages Beterbiev fighting Bivol. Callum Smith’s entry into the equation hasn’t received much thought.

“Obviously, when we did the deal in Saudi Arabia um with the uh the um his Excellency, the plan was for Dmitry Bivol to fight in the undisputed fight that fight that they like is Beterbiev against Bivol. Obviously, they haven’t thought too much about the Callum Smith fight because, in their mind I think they believe Beterbiev will win on Saturday.” Hearn said.

But the English promoter added that there’s an absence of a deal with Callum Smith. However, if he wins, the natural progression would take him to Bivol’s door. The undisputed battle will be between him and Bivol. Hearn said, “……there isn’t a dealing place yet to fight Callum Smith, but that would be quite a natural position, um, if, uh, you know if if he was to win on Saturday, so if and when he wins on Saturday will be looking to make that undisputed fight with with Dmitry Bivol.”

Hearn was further probed on a tentative timeline for the fight to happen. The ace promoter replied, “Like uh April time, something like that, April or May.”

Last month, citing Dan Rafael as the source, Michael Benson shared that Dmitry Bivol agreed to his part of the deal to fight Artur Beterbiev. It’s a fight that’s been in the making for some time now. Let’s not forget that while Bivol turned 33 last month, Beterbiev is going to be 39 on January 21. So as far as the fans are concerned, the sooner it gets done, the better chance they have of witnessing two of the generation’s best slugging it out in the ring.

Read More: “Outboxes Him”: Fans Predict Dmitry Bivol’s Fate Against Artur Beterbiev in Potential “Fight for the Ages”

What’s your take? Do you think that Beterbiev-Bivol should still take place, even if the former suffers a surprise defeat from Callum Smith? Please share your views with us in the comments below.

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