Dmitry Bivol Takes First Step to Make Artur Beterbiev Fight Happen

Undoubtedly, with some of the biggest matches, 2023 has been one of the best years for boxing in recent times. For all the good reasons, 2024 seems to follow suit as a stream of big bouts appears on the horizon. Now one more, at least partially, joins the long list of tentative bouts. One that many fans consider a dream line-up.

Per the latest update received from Dan Rafael, the Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol bout appears to have inched a bit closer. The latter has seemingly confirmed signing his end of the deal. The fight will settle the long-pending, undisputed debate for the light heavyweight division. Bivol defended his WBA (super) title for the eleventh time and also took home the IBO belt in a bargain against Lydon Arthur at the ‘Anthony Joshua–Otto Wallin: Day of Reckoning’ card. Beterbiev, on the other hand, will have to defend his unified titles from Callum Smith to enter the formalities. The two will fight a few days from now in his adopted home, Quebec, in Canada.

Dmitry Bivol versus Artur Beterbiev: A legacy-making finale takes a step ahead

Citing Dan Rafael as the source, Michael Benson shared that Dmitry Bivol had allegedly finalized the agreement, which will see him see Artur Beterbiev in Saudi Arabia. They will fight for the 175-pound division’s undisputed title. However, for that to happen, first the former will have to come out victorious in the bout against former middleweight champion Callum Smith. Then, in order to complete the formalities for the fight, he will have to confirm his side of the agreement.

Michael Benson’s tweet read, “Dmitry Bivol has reportedly now SIGNED his side of a deal to fight Artur Beterbiev next for the undisputed light-heavyweight world titles in Saudi Arabia. Beterbiev must beat Callum Smith on Jan 13th and then agree his side to finalize the fight. ”

The Beterbiev-Bivol fight has for long remained a standard fixture on the bucket list of most fans. However, it ran into a quandary with the WBC’s stand on Russian athletes. The sanctioning body clarified early in February that the restriction on Russian athletes remained; however, they would rather see Artur Beterbiev defend his titles from Callum Smith first instead of going against Bivol for the undisputed clash.

The WBC President, Mauricio Sulaiman, added further that Dmitry Bivol would further need to place a request seeking exemption. Artur Beterbiev defeated Anthony Yarde early in January this year to defend his unified titles for the first time. He would be going against Callum Smith after a 12-month break. The Liverpool-born boxer comes on the back of two knockout victories ever since he entered the light heavyweight division. Dmitry Bivol also followed Beterbiev’s example and returned after a year to face Lyndon Arthur.

Read More: Dmitry Bivol Makes Major Announcement at Fury vs. Ngannou as He Eyes Artur Beterbiev Fight in Saudi

What’s your take? Do you believe it’s crucial for both parties to proceed with caution to ensure the realization of this potential blockbuster? Please share your views with us in the comments below.

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