Light-Heavyweight Champion, Dmitry Bivol, has given his prediction ahead of his rival, Artur Beterbiev, defending his title against Callum Smith in Quebec.
Beterbiev and Bivol have been linked to an undisputed fight for some time, and talks have heated up since the WBA champion defeated Canelo Alvarez last year, with some fans calling it the best fight in boxing.
However, Beterbiev’s promoter, Bob Arum, has ruled out any chances that the fight will happen, due to the WBC’s current sanctions against Russian fighters.
Instead, the 38-year-old Canadian-Russian will make his eighth consecutive title defence against Smith in Canada.
In an interview with iFL TV, Bivol predicted another win for Beterbiev, who has knocked out all of his 19 opponents to date.
“Beterbiev has more chance, that’s how I see it.
He is more confident, he is more powerful and skilful, but of course Callum is not an easy opponent. He [Smith] has a good defence I think, and he is younger.
It’s an interesting fight.”
As for Bivol, it seems that a scrap with his fellow 175lb champion will not be happening this year, and his reluctance to rematch Canelo on the proposed terms from the Mexican means the 32 year-old is now searching for an opponent.
The 2022 Fighter of the Year looks set to stick around at light-heavyweight and defend his champion status until another opportunity presents itself, meaning next up could be one of the two Brits who are ranked #1 and #2 with the WBA, Joshua Buatsi and Dan Azeez.
Beterbiev and Smith will meet in the ring on August 19 and will be available to watch on ESPN for US fans and Sky Sports for UK viewers.