Co-promoter of the holder of the title of “super champion” of the WBA world in light heavyweight (up to 79.4 kg) Russian Dmitry Bivol (21-0, 11 KOs) and the absolute world champion in the second middleweight (up to 76.2 kg) Mexican Saul “Canelo” Alvarez (58-2-2, 39 KOs) Eddie Hearn (Matchroom) gave
interview for streaming DAZN.
The functionary commented on the performance of his compatriot Anthony Yarde (23-3, 22 KOs) against the unified champion of the light heavyweight division Canadian Artur Beterbiev (19-0, 19 KOs), spoke about possible fights and plans for the future.
– Your compatriot showed a great character, but as a promoter who leads the career of Dmitry Bivol, what did you say when you watched the Beterbiev-Yard fight? Beterbiev showed vulnerability, you said to yourself – Dmitry will make it?
– When we analyzed this fight, I said the following – excellent attempts from Anthony Yarde, strong character, strong balls. But what I also saw was a great performance by Beterbiev. If you know boxing, then you should understand that he was in complete control of the fight all the time.
– Undoubtedly.
“When the punches came back, he walked away on his feet, he met Yard with punches, he took him round after round. It was a really good performance and Beterbiev is a fantastic fighter.
Was Yard’s performance better than you expected?
– Yes. Yard can really fight. He showed great character and it was a great performance. Now the dynamics are great. Callum Smith is the mandatory challenger for Artur Beterbiev, no exceptions. Dmitry Bivol has long wanted a fight with Beterbiev. We saw how at the promotion they talked about the fight for the absolute champion. Now let’s see if they have the same energy now. Because Dmitry Bivol is ready to fight Beterbiev. This is probably one of the biggest fights in boxing. But Canelo Alvarez also wants to fight Dmitry Bivol for the undisputed champion at 76.2 kg. So Bivol is in a great position. As for me, I would like to see Callum Smith against Beterbiev, probably at Anfield, in the big Liverpool stadium, sometime in the early summer; Dmitry Bivol, possibly against Joshua Buatsi in the spring. Then Bivol fights Canelo at 76.2 kg, and then immediately fights Beterbiev for the absolute champion or Callum Smith. A lot can happen. But look, Bivol can fight for the undisputed title against Beterbiev, we have Callum Smith, we have Bivol, we have Canelo Alvarez – it’s really exciting because we have huge fights to organize.
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— What would you prefer? Because I think there might be enough time to fight for the undisputed champion against Beterbiev and Bivol could fight Canelo in September.
– The problem is that there is Callum Smith, who was approved as the mandatory challenger. Canelo Alvarez will probably fight in May. Artur Beterbiev will have Ramadan. He probably won’t be back until the summer. So there are a lot of things to decide. We will partner with Top Rank, we will talk with Callum Smith, we will talk with Dmitry Bivol and Vadim (Kornilov), but this is a really bright time for the sport and the 79.4 kg division.
Is there any chance that Canelo will say I’m giving up my date in September and fighting him sometime in December? This way we will be able to get Artur vs. Bivol for the title of absolute champion, which is more important for the sport.
– Not. Canelo wants revenge.
– But can he skip this date so that they fight each other first?
– No, Canelo Alvarez wants to take revenge on Dmitry Bivol. Like I said, we have a lot of work to do where we need to really do the best for a few fighters. Beterbiev vs Bivol is one of the best fights in boxing, no question. The best fighter at 79.4 kg right now is Dmitry Bivol, no question.
– This is your opinion.
Of course, this is my opinion.
“The strongest puncher in the world of boxing.” Coach Beterbiev – about Yard, Bivol and his fighter
— [смеётся] Technically Beterbiev is the unified champion now, but I agree with you.
“But united does not mean the best.
— [смеётся]
“This is an amazing fight. I appreciate Beterbiev. He is a brilliant fighter to watch. It would be great to have these fights for boxing, and as I said before, we have to do these fights. Canelo Alvarez’s plan is to fight John Ryder and Dmitry Bivol. I spoke to Eddie Reynoso last night. We are working on possible locations for these fights. Of course, there are other fights for Canelo Alvarez. We are planning with Eddie and Saul for this and next year. Of course, there will be Plant – Benavidez, Edgar Berlanga made some noise, won several big victories. I think his fight against Canelo will be big. But our priority is May and the fight against mandatory challenger John Ryder, and then move towards Dmitry Bivol and the fight for the title of absolute champion at 76.2 kg.