Boxing fans hoping to see an Undisputed light-heavyweight title fight this year may have to wait a while.
Artur Beterbiev added the WBO title last weekend when he tore through Joe Smith Jr in two rounds giving him three of the four belts available. Dmitry Bivol holds the WBA version and both men have made it clear they want to put it all on the line.
WBO mandatory challenger Anthony Yarde has no intention of stepping aside and Beterbiev’s promoter Bob Arum confirmed on social media that the Russian will be coming to London.
Arum tweeted from his personal Twitter:
“We look forward to the sensational Artur Beterbiev crossing the pond to fight Anthony Yarde in London this fall.”
“We hope that the winner can fight for the undisputed light heavyweight title early next year.”
We look forward to the sensational Artur Beterbiev crossing the pond to fight Anthony Yarde in London this fall. We hope that the winner can fight for the undisputed light heavyweight title early next year.
— Bob Arum (@BobArum) June 22, 2022
Both Beterbiev and Bivol have stated their desire to unify the division. When asked about a fight with Beterbiev, Bivol told Sky Sports:
“Yes of course, it is my goal.”
“I watched the [Beterbiev-Smith] fight. As I have said before, I am very excited about unifying all the belts in the division.”