Dmitry Bivol defended his WBA light heavyweight title against Saul Canelo Alvarez last year in May 2022. Canelo lost the fight via a unanimous decision and Dmitry retained his title. The loss against Bivol was the second loss of the Mexican legend’s career.
The Mexican star’s plans for a rematch were not welcomed by Team Bivol. Bivol’s manager Vadim Kornilov revealed a few months back that Dmitry has no intentions of fighting Canelo again in the same weight class. However Eddie Hearn has revealed that Bivol will defend his title against Lyndon Arthur.
Eddie Hearn talks on Dmitry Bivol vs Lyndon Arthur’s bout
Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has revealed that Dmitry Bivol will be defending his WBA light heavyweight title against Lyndon Arthur. Bivol last fought Mexico’s Gilberto Ramirez in Abu Dhabi in November. Bivol was in hopes of securing a mouth-watering undisputed clash with Artur Beterbiev this year.
Eddie Hearn has stated that they’re now trying to make Dmitry Bivol vs Lyndon Arthur for Bivol’s WBA light-heavyweight world title next. [@ProBoxingFans]
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) September 9, 2023
On the other hand, that battle has not turned into anything concrete, with Beterbiev rather agreeing to consider on necessary challenger Callum Smith. This has led Dmitry Bivol to seek an opponent elsewhere. Matchroom Boxing has made contact with Wasserman, who endorses Arthur, about a possible clash. Should that fight go forward, Bivol and Beterbiev will compete for the world light heavyweight title.
Dmitry Bivol rejected bout vs Canelo Alvarez
Saul expressed his desire to have a rematch against Dmitry Bivol but lost. Alvarez challenged Bivol for the WBA light heavyweight title and lost by unanimous decision back in May 2022, which was the Mexican’s first loss after losing to Floyd Mayweather back in 2013.
It became quite clear throughout the bout that the punching power Canelo had possessed in both the middleweight and super middleweight divisions wasn’t enough to faze the much bigger Bivol. Bivol’s manager, Vadim Kornilov, said, “Dmitry already beat him at that weight class, so what’s the motivation to do it again in the same weight class, except for money?”
It is very clear that Bivol is more interested in fighting Arthur than in fighting Canelo again at light heavyweight. Alvarez wants a rematch at the same weight class, whereas Dmitry wants to fight the four-division champion at another weight class.
What are your thoughts on Canelo vs. Bivol rematch? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section.
