British promoter Eddie Hearn does not understand why his colleagues from Top Rank, representing the interests of the unified world light heavyweight champion (up to 79.4 kg) Artur Beterbiev (18-0, 18 KOs) from Canada, did not even try to enter into negotiations with the team Russian WBA Super champion Dmitry Bivol (20-0, 11 KOs), so that the boxers will fight for the title of absolute division champion this year.
Recall that in June Beterbiev won a unification fight against Joe Smith Jr., and in October he should go to England for a mandatory defense against local WBO contender Anthony Yarde.
“Honestly, we were prepared (for this development of events), says Hearn. – You know, I have said many times before that when Berebiev beats Joe Smith, in my opinion, Top Rank should immediately turn to the option with Dmitry Bivol. This is a fight for the absolute championship, and it could take place by the end of this year. But they are talking about the fight against Anthony Yarde in London. I don’t know why there was no discussion of the battle for the absolute, but well.”
“Dmitry Bivol has many options, it’s not just Buatsi and Ramirez,” said the promoter. – He wants to become the absolute champion, this is the goal of every champion in general. And Bivol vs. Beterbiev is an amazing fight. I think Dmitri is the favorite in this matchup, but Beterbiev is an incredible puncher with exceptional power. Just an amazing fight. Who knows, we’ll see what happens. This winter we will definitely do this fight.”
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