Dmitry Bivol has eye on unification but must take care of other business first
Dmitry Bivol’s next big fight might be around the corner.
The boxing master from Russia, best known for taking down superstar Canelo Alvarez in May of last year, appears to be on a collision course with fellow 175-pound titleholder Artur Beterbiev for the undisputed championship.
That would be a dream matchup for hardcore boxing fans and have huge implications for the legacies of both men.
First things first, however. Beterbiev (19-0, 19 KOs) is scheduled to defend his three belts against capable Callum Smith on Jan. 13.
And Bivol (21-0, 11 KOs) is set to defend his belt against Lyndon Arthur (23-1, 16 KOs) on the pay-per-view card featuring Deontay Wilder and Anthony Joshua in separate bouts Saturday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
If Beterbiev and Bivol win their fights, the ultimate showdown could take place next.
“It’s a big goal,” said Bivol, referring to a prospective fight against his countryman. “… When we signed the contract we discussed not only fighting against Lyndon Arthur, we discussed about another fight too for four belts. We discussed undisputed.
“They want to make this fight and they can make this fight. This is really good for me. It’s what I need.”
Arthur is a solid all-around boxer from England who has a split decision victory over two-time title challenger Anthony Yarde on his resume, although Yarde stopped him in four rounds in the rematch.
He has beaten four obscure opponents since his setback, including a 10th-round knockout of Braian Nahuel Suarez to win a minor title this past September.
Bivol insists that he’s taking nothing for granted on Saturday.
He turned 33 on Monday. He wants to be certain he gives himself a proper birthday gift in the ring.
“Every time I get in the ring, I think like this is the best opponent that I will face, and this is the hardest fight of my career,” Bivol said. “It helps me to be focused and take my training campy seriously.
“Preparation for this fight has been good. I spent my time in Kyrgyzstan for my training camp. It was a nice time and I had good sparring. I had my last sparring on Monday before my fight on Saturday. Everything is good.
“Lyndon Arthur a good fighter and he’s a well-schooled boxer. He uses his jab a lot and he moves well. This is going to be a good challenge for me. His record and his IBO belt are an extra motivation for me.
“I try to be the best version of myself every time I get in the ring. I hope we’re going to win another title. It’s a new challenge for me. Then I can celebrate my birthday properly. My celebration on Monday was two training sessions.”
If things goes well for him and Beterbiev, it’s boxing fans who could receive a proper gift.
