Artur Beterbiev has already said he wants to become undisputed light heavyweight champion and the only man standing in his way has the same ambition.
Dmitry Bivol currently holds the WBA title at 175lbs, the last belt for Beterbiev to chase in order to complete the set. The two Russians are on a collision course to crown a number one after their recent wins over Joe Smith Jr and Canelo Alvarez, respectively.
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.”
Standing in the way of an all Russian blockbuster is Britain’s Anthony Yarde. Beterbiev’s promoter Bob Arum revealed last week that his fighter will travel to London to defend his three world titles against the WBO mandatory challenger in October.
When asked about a potential fight with Yarde, Beterbiev was clear that unifying the division was his priority:
“Unification fights are more interesting, more motivating.”
“I prefer the unification fight. I want to be undisputed.”
The 30-year-old Yarde would have to step aside in order for a winner takes all fight to take place next. Currently, he doesn’t seem interested in that option, saying he is ready for the challenge of Artur Beterbiev and believes the fight is his destiny.
Bivol put in a career best performance to beat modern Mexican great Canelo Alvarez last month. And this past weekend Beterbiev blew away Joe Smith Jr in two rounds with a destructive display to take the American’s WBO title.