The world wants to see WBA light-heavyweight champion, Dmitrii Bivol versus WBC, WBO, and IBF light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev.
According to Turki Alalshikh, the Saudi advisor entrusted with bringing boxing to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, it is a fight he wants to make.
Bivol has outboxed the very best in the division, hardly even getting hit cleanly in some of his biggest fights.
Beterbiev has won all 20 of his bouts by knockout. It would be the classic pure boxer versus boxer-puncher match-up and would also crown an undisputed champion at light-heavyweight, cementing one man as the best light-heavyweight since Andre Ward retired.
Taylor Ramsdell, the strength and conditioning coach of Bivol, told ProBox TV he felt his fighter could handle Beterbiev’s strength: “Bivol is a strong fighter, and he stays strong from start to finish.
“Bivol’s skill level is amazing and he’s intelligent with his boxing. Always in the moment, while also seeing several steps ahead. He’s great at what he does, and it shows in all of his fights.”
Bivol is 22-0, with 11 knockouts. Beterbiev is 20-0, with 20 knockouts. The major difference between them is age. Bivol is 33, Beterbiev is 39.
“There is no telling, that is different for each person,” said the respectful Ramsdell, when asked to comment on their ages.
The fight is now being rumored with nothing officially announced. Ramsdell furthered that if the fight does happen, Bivol will be more than ready.
“Both these fighters are well-rounded,” Ramsdell continued. “There’s a lot to both of them. We’ve had the answers to every opponent Bivol has faced, and we will for this one too
“We’ve been working towards the goal of becoming undisputed. Winning this fight will make it happen. I believe Bivol’s hand will be raised in victory and that goal will be achieved.”
