“We Don’t Have a Choice”: After Dominating Victory, Artur Beterbiev Sends Clear Message to Dmitry Bivol

Artur Beterbiev triumphs yet again! Many fans, boxing pundits, and notable personalities like Eddie Hearn counted him out against Callum Smith. Not to mention, just days ahead of the fight, he was subject to scrutiny over the atypical finding in his VADA report. Despite it all, he proved, yet again, why he is one of the best boxers of the current era. To say he defeated the British Challenger would be an understatement. It was a case of sheer dominance.

For the majority of the fight, the champion was in control and ultimately got a stoppage victory in the seventh round. He remains undefeated and the lineal light heavyweight champion. However, there a still one opponent that he needs to go for to establish himself as the best, and guess what, he knows that as well.

Artur Beterbiev states that Dmitry Bivol is not a great fighter

The WBC, WBO, and IBF light heavyweight champion wants to become the undisputed champion. However, to achieve the same, he would have to fight none other than Dmitry Bivol. Even Bivol wants to become the undisputed champion and is itching to face Beterbiev.

After the bout, during the post-fight press conference, the Russian-Canadian expressed his interest in this contest and advanced that it was inevitable for the two fighters to face each other and that there was nothing personal between them. According to Beterbiev, a fight between them is just inevitable.

Reflecting on the same, he stated, “I think it’s going to happen. We don’t have a choice, we need to do this… I respect him, but he’s not a ‘great fighter’… He hold one belt, can’t be great fighter in our division… I’m not great too but I mean he’s not too… We’re gonna know who is the better fighter in this category.”

This match-up, on paper and otherwise screams fireworks. The boxing world is in for a treat and it appears that it may not take long for the bout to come to fruition. The promoter of the Russian-Canadian champion has confirmed the current status of the fight.

When and where will Artur Beterbiev fight Dmitry Bivol?

Although not booked, it appears to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This news was also confirmed by Bob Arum. In an interview, he claimed that the fight was discussed with Turki Alalshikh who is seemingly quite interested, leaving no reason as to why the bout would not take place.

A source stated, “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.”

Read more: Bob Arum Blasts Eddie Hearn for Making Artur Beterbiev’s ‘Atypical’ Finding an Issue Ahead of Callum Smith Fight

The fight appears to be as good as done. If this fight is on the cards, it bears us to ask you, how do you see it playing out? What are your predictions? Share with us your thoughts and opinions in the comments below.