Russian WBA super light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol (20-0, 11 KOs) may not fight his next fight against his mandatory challenger Mexican Gilberto Ramirez (44-0, 30 KOs), says promoter Eddie Hearn (Matchroom Boxing).
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Despite the WBA’s decision to sanction a mandatory defense, the businessman is still trying to organize a voluntary defense for the champion against his fighter, British prospective Olympic medalist Joshua Buatsi (16-0, 13 KOs).
Hearn reportedthat they asked the WBA for a delay in the mandatory defense: “That’s right, Ramirez has officially become the mandatory challenger, but we have already sent a request for a delay so that Bivol fights Buatsi in return. So the final decision is up to the WBA.”
In May, Bivol scored the most significant victory of his career – he beat the undisputed champion in the division below the Mexican Saul Canelo Alvarez (57-2-2, 39 KOs). He is aimed at revenge, especially since such a clause was spelled out in the contract. If the WBA allows the Russian to fight with Buatsi, then they will insist on an immediate fight with Ramirez.
“Bivol will have to fight one of them or even both before the rematch with Canelo,” says Hearn. “They are both very dangerous fighters. Buatsi is extraordinarily talented, and Ramirez is not only talented, but also an ex-champion in the lower division. Canelo has made it clear that he will first fight Gennady Golovkin in September and then want a rematch with Bivol in May. This means that time is running out. I think with a high degree of probability the next fight of Bivol will take place in October or early November. The opponent will be either Ramirez or Buatsi.”
Meanwhile, ex-world champion and boxing columnist Sean Porter talks about how Alvarez can beat Bivol and Beterbiev. And the top American specialist is already talking with might and main about the fight between Bivol and Ramirez.