The eagerly anticipated undisputed light heavyweight championship fight between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol has been shelved due to the WBC’s ban on Russian fighters. Beterbiev’s promoter, Bob Arum, stated he won’t push for the bout while Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is ongoing. Despite Beterbiev’s Russian roots, Arum notes the three-belt champion has been living in Canada for 14 years and hence, considers him Canadian. Bivol, born in Kyrgyzstan but based in Los Angeles, is nevertheless perceived as Russian, an aspect that remains unclear. This postponement casts a shadow over whether the fight will ever occur given the protracted nature of the war and Beterbiev’s age.
The decision not to pursue the Beterbiev-Bivol bout benefits Mexican superstar Canelo Alvarez by granting him more leverage to negotiate a rematch with Bivol in September. With Bivol’s alternatives limited, Alvarez is in a position to call the shots. Arum justified his decision, expressing full support for Ukraine against the aggression and clarifying his stance on Beterbiev's nationality.
Although this might disappoint fans eager for the Beterbiev-Bivol bout, it might work favorably for Beterbiev as Bivol’s exceptional footwork and boxing skills pose a challenging match-up. Beterbiev is due to defend his WBC title against mandatory challenger Callum Smith on August 19th. With a win, and the Bivol fight off the table, his options for intriguing opponents could dwindle, unless Alvarez opts to challenge him at 175 for his three titles. Beterbiev's power and relentless approach might, however, deter Alvarez from such a move.
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