Evander Holyfield achieved greatness in both the cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions by becoming undisputed champion – and now he’s keen for today’s fighters to have a chance at doing the same.
2023 presents an opportunity for a stellar year in the sport where champions can face off to crown the best in various divisions. At heavyweight, Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk are heading towards doing just that, but it’s light heavyweight that Holyfield has his eyes on.
As reported by Boxing Scene, the boxing legend names Dmitry Bivol versus Artur Beterbiev as top of his list for fights to see.
“Bivol vs. Beterbiev is one of the most anticipated fights in the whole world. I think this fight will be exciting. It is important that everything is resolved in order to organise this fight.”
Both men seem to want the fight, although mandatories and rematches are forcing a bit of a delay.
Beterbiev, who is the only current world champion to have stopped every opponent, holds the WBC, IBF, and WBO belts. He’s set to defend them against Britain’s Anthony Yarde on January 28 in London.
Bivol – the WBA champion – is coming off the back of a career-defining year, beating pound-for-pound star, Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez, and Gilberto Ramirez.
The Canelo fight – in which the Mexican came up in weight to face Bivol – has presented an opportunity for a rematch, and Bivol is keen to drop down to super middleweight to challenge for Canelo’s belts rather than putting his on the line again.
He has, however, also made it clear that he wants Beterbiev, and fans – as well as ‘The Real Deal’ Holyfield – will hope that the second half of the year is the time for an undisputed, undefeated light heavyweight champion.