An undisputed light heavyweight clash between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol could be on the cards of this summer, according to Bivol’s promoter Eddie Hearn.
The fight would depend on promotional and broadcast barriers being overcome, as well as Beterbiev being fit to fight after Ramadan.
If the all Russian affair cannot be made next, Hearn told BoxingScene it is highly likely Bivol will defend his WBA strap against Joshua Buatsi instead.
“We are in talks for Bivol to fight Canelo in September, or Beterbiev in June if he’s ready to fight off the back of Ramadan.”
“That could be one for Abu Dhabi, it would be a great fight for Abu Dhabi. We did Bivol’s last fight there.
“But if Beterbiev isn’t ready it’s very likely that Bivol will fight in May or early June against Buatsi and then if he wins he will fight Canelo in September.”
“If Bivol ends up fighting Buatsi that would probably land in America but I’d be open to doing it in the UK.”
With both Beterbiev and Bivol considered pound for pound level fighters, an undisputed showdown between the pair is widely regarded as of the best fights to be made in the sport.
However, the WBC have ordered Beterbiev to face mandatory challenger Callum Smith next, or face being stripped of his world title.
After an eighth round stoppage win over Anthony Yarde in London last time out, it is unlikely ‘King Artur’ would have any qualms about fighting on British shores for a second time.
As for Buatsi, if he is to land a shot at Bivol in May, he will go into the monumental challenge having been out of the ring for a full year.