WBA Light-Heavyweight Champion Dmitry Bivol is set to return to the ring after a year of inactivity.
The pound-for-pound star has now truly developed into one of boxing’s standout talents and most respected fighters, headlining cards on his last three outings.
Fans have been clamouring for an undisputed showdown between Bivol and WBC, WBO and IBF champion, Artur Beterbiev, however political rulings from the WBC stand in the way.
Instead, the Russian has been rumoured for fights against the likes of Joshua Buatsi or even a possible move down to super-middleweight, but it seems that the 2022 Fighter of the Year is set to remain in the 175lbs division and defend his title.
His comeback has been touted for numerous cards in recent months, but now his promoter, Eddie Hearn, has confirmed that he will be in a headline slot that is set to be announced soon.
Speaking to Pro Boxing Fans, the promoter said Bivol will fight in Las Vegas in January.
“He looks to return in January, possibly 13th January, in Las Vegas. Then we want to make the Beterbiev fight, there has been a few approaches for that fight, obviously he fights Callum Smith and I truly believe that Callum Smith wins that fight by knockout.
If we can do Callum Smith against Bivol, for the undisputed [light-heavyweight title], even better.”
“[Bivol is] headlining in America, January 13th. We’ve got four or five opponents in the mix and we will make an announcement soon.”
Callum Smith challenges Beterbiev on January 13, meaning we could see the first ever four-belt unification bout in mid-2024 should the WBC change its stance on Russian athletes.