Eddie Hearn has responded to speculation that talks have started for Dmitry Bivol to face Joshua Buatsi.
A source has told Boxing Social that the WBA Light Heavyweight champion could be set to defend his title in Abu Dhabi against the Brit this year.
We reached out to Buatsi’s promoter for a comment on the matter. Hearn replied:
“Nothing agreed or close.”
Last month Hearn revealed that an offer had been put to Buatsi for the fight but hopes seem to be dashed when the WBA had ordered Bivol to face mandatory challenger Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez.
Communication on the matter had been sent to both teams and they had until August 10 to successfully negotiate the fight. Should that not be achieved then purse bids would be called.
In their statement they wrote:
“Bivol’s champion period is conditioned to a term of 24 months and his last mandatory fight was on March 3, 2018, his next one was to be after March 2020.”
“For that reason, he must face Ramirez.”
Hearn, who also works with Bivol, spoke about the matter on The DAZN Boxing Show.
“In all those situations we would have a right to request an alternative fight, an exemption, which we will file with the WBA.
“No problem making the Zurdo Ramirez fight, but we had already made plans for the Joshua Buatsi fight in October. So, we’ll speak to the WBA.”
Over a week ago the IBF ordered Buatsi to face former world champion Jean Pascal in a world title eliminator. In their current rankings Buatsi is the highest ranked contender at number three.
The 2016 Olympic Bronze Medallist has already stated that Bivol is the fight he wants next. While Ramirez is mandatory challenger the British Light Heavyweight sits one spot below at number two.
Ramirez’ promoter Oscar De La Hoya told TV Boxeo he is working with Bivol’s manager Vadim Kornilov on making the fight, not Hearn.
“Eddie Hearn is not Bivol’s promoter, I am working with Bivol’s manager, that fight is going to be negotiated, it is going to be done.”
Buatsi was last in action defeating domestic rival Craig Richards while Bivol produced one of the results of the year defeating Canelo Alvarez.
The champion is expected to return to the ring this year, as is Buatsi, the only question now is whether or not it will be against each other.