Artur Beterbiev versus Dmitry Bivol is fast approaching and now a rather surprising broadcast situation has been announced for the much anticipated light heavyweight showdown.
Beterbiev and Bivol have been on a collision course for some time. Both are unbeaten and highly regarded combatants with impressive records.
Beterbiev has seen off plenty of solid challengers including a trio of Brits in Anthony Yard, Callum Smith and Callum Johnson, none of whom have given him too much trouble bar one knockdown against Johnson which was swiftly turned around.
He has knocked out 100% of his opponents to make him the only champion with a complete knockout record. Arguably the best single win either of them has is by Bivol, however, when he dethroned Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez.
It was a mighty fine showing from Bivol that has left Canelo keen to one day get a rematch. After that he has also beaten Gilberto Ramirez with other wins against Craig Richards also on his résumé.
The fight will top the bill of the Matchroom vs Queensbury 5 v 5 event in June in Saudi Arabia. Now boxing journalist Dan Rafael has revealed who will be showing the contest Stateside.
“Per sources, unless something dramatically changes, this is going to be weird viewing in the US. #BeterbievBivol will on ESPN+. The rest of the card in the US will be via DAZN PPV. It was important to Top Rank that the main event undisputed fight be free for ESPN+ subscribers.”
He also revealed who he thinks will be taking part in the 5 v 5.
“News conference is scheduled for Monday in London to formally announce #BeterbievBivol undisputed light heavyweight title bout & unveil “5 vs 5” bouts, which will be, per my sources: Wilder-Zhang, Hrgovic-Dubois, Ford-Ball; Williams-Sheeraz; Richards-Hutchinson. A+ card. #boxing”