According to talkSport sports columnist Michael Benson, Bivol, who holds the WBA and IBO titles, has signed a contract to fight Beterbiev, who is the WBC, IBF and WBO world champion.
The fight will be announced officially if Artur Beterbiev defeats Britain’s Callum Smith on January 13 and signs his part of the agreement.
“Dmitry Bivol has reportedly signed his part of the agreement to fight against Artur Beterbiev for the Saudi Arabian World Boxing Council’s Ultimate Fighting Championship bantamweight title,” Benson wrote on social media. “Beterbiev must now defeat Callum Smith on January 13th to finalize the deal on his end.”
A week ago, Dmitry Bivol successfully defended his WBA championship belt and also picked up the IBO title, defeating Britain’s Lyndon Arthur by unanimous 120-107 three-round decision at the end of twelve rounds at Riyadh Boxing Night.