British promoter Eddie Hearn claims that the fight for the title of absolute light heavyweight champion (up to 79.4 kg) between Dmitry Bivol (21-0, 11 KOs) and Artur Beterbiev (19-0, 19 KOs) can take place as early as early summer. This will happen if Beterbiev has time to get in shape after Ramadan, which this year will last from March 22 to April 20.
If the option with Beterbiev does not materialize, then Dmitry, as expected, will defend against Briton Joshua Buatsi (16-0, 13 KOs).
“Someone told me that we already closed the Bivol-Buatsi deal, but this is not true,” reports Hearn. “We really want him (Buatsi) to fight Bivol, but we are also in talks for a Bivol rematch with Canelo in September or a fight against Beterbiev in June if he is ready to fight after Ramadan. It could be Abu Dhabi, where we had Bivol’s previous fight.”
“But if Beterbiev is not ready, then Bivol will most likely fight in May or early June against Buatsi. And then, if he wins, it’s against Canelo in September. If we are talking about the Bivol-Buatsi fight, then it will probably happen in the USA. Although I am open to making it in Britain, ”Eddie also noted.
The ex-champion and analyst have no doubts that Bivol will beat Beterbiev.
Source:
boxing scene