IBF, WBC and WBO light heavyweight world champion Artur Beterbiev defends his unified titles against England’s Callum Smith in Quebec City, Canada on January 13.
Beterbiev’s upcoming clash with the former super middleweight champion has been reasonably well received by boxing fans. However, it is far from an undisputed clash with fellow Russian and WBA light heavyweight world champion Dmitry Bivol.
Beterbiev (19-0, 19 KOs) Vs Bivol (21-0, 11 KOs) has consistently made the Fights We Need to See Next Year list for all boxing fans and news publications since both claimed world titles way back in 2017. Nearly six years have rolled by without the all Russian, all undefeated 175 pound clash ever taking place.
“You know, if he’s ready, I am ready.” Beterbiev said in an exclusive interview for ProBox TV. “Just ask him if you see him here [Riyadh, Saudi Arabia]. I have seen him, but we are not talking to each other. Ask him if he wants the fight.”
Bivol and Beterbiev were two of the many world champion’s to drink in the bizarre Tyson Fury Vs Francis Ngannou crossover event in the Middle East. With the money flowing freely through the Kingdom, an undisputed light heavyweight clash could be on the cards for Saudi Arabia.
“Of course, if we can make a fight here for a unification it is good.” Beterbiev answered.
Despite the clamoring for a bout between Beterbiev and Bivol, Smith stands in the way as a worthy adversary and certainly not a fighter to look over, a fight that has moved over 6 months due to bone infection to the champion.
“The injury has been getting better.” Beterbiev explained. “I hope it [the injury] is not coming again. It was not my fault, It was a force majeure! He is a good boxer, he has good experience and we will see when we fight.”
