Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol: Ifs, Buts and Canelo Alvarez

Artur Beterbiev has held his side of the bargain. He dropped Callum Smith on the canvas when the two exchanged punches in Quebec City, Canada, and defended his WBC, WBO, and IBF titles. With his latest win, the Russian fighter is set on a collision course with Dmitry Bivol next. However, the much-anticipated fight is riddled with some ifs and buts and a Canelo conundrum.

A showdown between Beterbiev and Bivol has long been muted as the two compatriots hold all straps at 175 pounds. Bivol gave fans what he wanted as he signed the contract and set up a date with Beterbiev. The only contractual condition remained if Beterbiev edged past Callum Smith. Hardly surprisingly, Beterbiev jumped into the fight with less regard for Smith’s power and unloaded punches like a machine. He was a man on a mission, and that was Bivol.

Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol: The ifs

Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol should have been made some years ago. The undisputed opportunity has come a bit late for Beterbiev, who is inching closer to 40 and has recently struggled physically. In addition, Eddie Hearn‘s remarks about his atypical test results also raised a few eyebrows.

Beterbiev is in his twilight years, and injuries have crippled his career recently. His title defense against Smith was also derailed after a dental surgery led to a bone infection in his jaw. The questions about his durability persist as his recent fights have been delayed on multiple occasions.

Notably, Beterbiev, at 20-0, had suffered an undisclosed injury that put his fight with Anthony Yarde in jeopardy last year. Similarly, the Khasavyurt native met a similar fate ahead of a mandatory title defense against Adam Deines in 2021. Therefore, as suggested by Beterbiev and Bivol earlier, their health being at 100% will decide whether the fight will get a date. However, politics and other factors plague their fight.

But is it for the undisputed crown?

The WBC will stick to its stance of not sanctioning Russian fighters, and Bivol is no different. The Russia-Ukraine situation prompted WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman not to authorize a fight involving Russian boxers. This will also continue to exclude Bivol due to his nationality.

Bivol has blasted the WBC for its stance and has argued for a complete separation of sports and politics. But those demands have fallen on deaf ears. When and if he will face Beterbiev, he can only add the IBF and WBO titles to his collection. Bivol will not emerge as the undisputed champion, as the WBC title will not be on the line.

However, the case for Beterbiev is different because of his dual nationality, and his shifting base to Canada has worked in his favor. All Bivol has to do is file a petition with the WBC and pray. If, miraculously, the WBC sanctions the fight, can Bivol come on top? Is there more to their anticipated fight?

Claiming the top prize and Canelo Álvarez’s rematch with Dmitry Bivol

Their contest will evoke excitement among fans, as both possess distinct fighting styles. While Bivol is an excellent defensive fighter, Beterbiev pierces through defenses. The latter is also a remarkable counterpunch. Beterbiev has speed, timing, and destructive punches. On the other hand, Bivol is slick and moves around. His boxing IQ also gives him an edge, comparatively. But Beterbiev might head into the fight as a favorite.

But if Bivol emerges victorious, it will turn the head of Canelo Álvarez. The Mexican boxer still envies a rematch with Bivol for the beating he received when he moved up to challenge Bivol. The talks of their rematch have been raised here and there, and Bivol becoming the undisputed champion will add another layer of allure to it.

Read More: “It’s Very Interesting Fight But”: Sparred With David Benavidez and Defeated Canelo Alvarez Earlier, Dmitry Bivol Sheds Light on How Possible Saul vs Benavidez Fight Would Go Now

An undisputed champion vs. another undisputed champion will undoubtedly sell PPVs. But this is not the only wildcard fight for the winner. Both Beterbiev and Bivol are ready to entertain another star in the making, Jai Opetaia. What do you make of Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol? Let us know in the comments below.

Watch This Story: Terence Crawford, David Benavidez, Dmitry Bivol Rematch, and Other Potential Opponents for Canelo Alvarez