Dmitry Bivol says he’s uncertain if he’ll depart the sunshine heavyweight division if he accomplishes his objective of defeating unified three-belt champion Artur Beterbiev to turn into the undisputed champ this Saturday evening in Riyadh.
Two apparent selections for Bivol could be to remain at gentle heavyweight and face WBC interim champion David Benavidez or WBA ‘common’ champ David Morrell. These could be wonderful fights for the followers and would usher in good cash for Bivol. Each guys have energy, and there’s a superb likelihood Bivol may get knocked out by both.
If Bivol (23-0, 12 KOs) doesn’t select to remain at 175 to defend his 4 belts towards Canelo Alvarez in a rematch, he can transfer as much as cruiserweight to problem IBF champion Jai Opetaia for his belt. His Excellency Turki Alalshikh may very well be excited by making a combat between the 2.
We don’t know the way good Bivol is as a result of he’s not fought any of the killers at 175, and he’s regarded beatable when going through guys with energy. Will he react effectively to getting hit repeatedly by Beterbiev or crumble and crumble?
Beterbiev (20-0, 20 KOs) may spoil Bivol’s hopes for giant fights by knocking him out on Saturday evening. That may change the dynamics for a number of the doable fights as a result of Canelo has little interest in preventing Beterbiev, and it’s comprehensible why.
Beterbiev could be extra of an issue for Opetaia as a result of the Australian doesn’t react effectively to getting hit laborious, and he has no inside sport to talk of. Turki is keen on Opetaia, and it wouldn’t be good for his profession to combat Beterbiev and doubtlessly get knocked out. That may diminish Opetaia’s reputation, maybe completely.
“For me, belts are essential, greater than something, as a result of I didn’t have these belts. Perhaps when I’ve these belts, perhaps I’ll change my thoughts,” mentioned Bivol to the Stomping Grounds, about how he views the world titles as crucial factor to him in his boxing profession. “Since I got here to boxing, I wished to have all of the collections of all of the belts.”
If Bivol does win, it doesn’t imply that there aren’t any targets for him, as a result of there may very well be a rematch with Beterbiev. That may curiosity many followers. Furthermore, there are contenders like David Benavidez, David Morrell, Joshua Buatsi, and Anthony Yarde who could be seeking to get a title shot towards him.
“I didn’t assume an excessive amount of about what’s happening after this combat,” mentioned Bivol when requested if he may transfer to a different division if he defeats Artur Beterbiev to turn into an undisputed champion at 175.
“I have to hearken to my physique to determine what I need to do subsequent after this combat, after which I can inform you.”
“I really feel wonderful as a result of I’m going to combat for all of the belts, and this opportunity will not be for each fighter. Even good fighters couldn’t have this luck, however I bought this combat,” mentioned Dmitry Bivol to Boxing King Media about his getting the chance to combat for the undisputed gentle heavyweight championship towards Artur Beterbiev.
“I need to make historical past with my coach,” mentioned Bivol.
Proceed working 👊🏻
📸 @Maudsakri @Turki_alalshikh | @RiyadhSeason | #riyadhseason | #BeterbievBivol pic.twitter.com/lnDhLy7QCt
— Artur Beterbiev (@ABeterbiev) October 7, 2024
