Talks for a rematch between Dmitry Bivol and Saul ‘Canelo’ Álvarez seem to have reached a stalemate that will force both men in different directions.
Canelo moved up to light heavyweight to challenge for Bivol’s WBA world title back in May of 2022. The Russian handily beat the Mexican over twelve rounds in a performance that would contribute to his Fighter of the Year tag.
It’s long been known that Canelo fancies running it back, and both men are now free from mandatories for the time-being.
However, a constant sticking point has been the weight class in which it will take place. Bivol has said he’s keen to win more titles, so would like to move down to super middleweight for a crack at Canelo’s undisputed titles.
Canelo, however, wants the same terms. 175lbs and Bivol’s belt.
Whilst negotiations are apparently ongoing, Bivol’s manager, Vadim Kornilov, told ESPN Knockout that it would not happen on Canelo’s terms. He went on to say that their target was the other light-heavyweight champion, Artur Beterbiev.
“They don’t want a rematch. They know that they lost very badly in the first fight and that they have less chances of winning in the second. When have you heard of a fighter who, after losing, asked for a rematch on the same terms?”
“In my opinion I think they don’t want a rematch and they are saying that to justify themselves and make another fight like they did with Golovkin, John Ryder and maybe Berlanga. A rematch cannot take place on the same terms as the fight you lost. It’s stupid. We are looking forward. Artur Beterbiev is our target”
Promoter Eddie Hearn recently told Boxing Social that he was still working with all involved to make the rematch for the second half of the year, but Canelo has shown no signs of backing down on the weight dispute.
Bivol has faced some issues outside of the ring that may hamper his title ambitions regardless of who he fights, with the WBC upholding a ban on Russian fighters competing for their belts.
It means a fight with Beterbiev – who is also Russia but has Canadian citizenship – wouldn’t be for all four belts, and that would be the same with Canelo should the rematch happen at super middle.