One British fighter is planning to dash hopes of a light heavyweight undisputed fight between Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev.
The fight between the two impressive 175-pounders is one of the most exciting that can be made in boxing. Beterbiev is a fearsome puncher who has knocked out 100% of his 19 opponents including Anthony Yarde, Callum Johnson and Joe Smith Jr.
Bivol, meanwhile, is more of a stylist – a tricky technician who has got the better of the likes of Craig Richards, Gilberto Ramirez, Jean Pascal and, perhaps most impressively, the multi-weight pound-for-pound star that is Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez.
The WBA champion is next out against Lyndon Arthur on December 23 in Saudi Arabia and hopes a win will get him a shot at the unified IBF, WBC and WBO world champion Beterbiev.
However, after a delay due to dental issues, Beterbiev’s next fight is against former unified world super middleweight champion Callum Smith on January 13 in his native Quebec City.
Speaking to Boxing Social, Smith has said it’s ‘disrespectful’ for people to be talking about that undisputed fight.
“I don’t blame people for wanting to see Beterbiev-Bivol. As a boxing fan, I’d like to see it, but it is a little bit disrespectful when I’m due to fight him in January.”
He explained why and stated his aim to disrupt the plans.
“They’re seeing it as a foregone conclusion but I am confident in my own ability and I know how good I can be at my best. At my best I can beat anybody in the world. In my eyes it will be me Beterbiev then hopefully me Bivol after that. So I think I can, you know, ruin people’s plans.”
“I plan on ripping the script up and becoming a world champion again.”
A win in January would be a fine achievement for Smith and another crowning glory in an already decorated career.