WBA light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol is set for a title defense against Lyndon Arthur on December 23rd in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Although Bivol is expected to be the clear favorite, the matchup with Arthur promises to be an engaging contest. This fight marks Bivol’s first defense since his victory over Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez in November 2022.
Bivol’s career trajectory post his impressive win over Canelo Alvarez last year has been somewhat disappointing. Despite the significant victory, Bivol has struggled to secure high-profile fights. The decision to face Lyndon Arthur, a less recognized name in the U.S., is seen as a step back in his career progression. Arthur, while a competent fighter, doesn’t carry the star power needed to elevate Bivol’s profile further.
According to boxing journalist Dan Rafael, Arthur (23-1, 16 KOs) is stepping in to replace Richard Rivera as Bivol’s challenger. This change comes despite some fans expressing a preference for Rivera, known for his entertaining style and “Popeye The Sailor Man” persona. Arthur, 31, brings a solid record into the fight, having won his last four fights since a knockout loss to Anthony Yarde in 2021.
The Bivol vs. Arthur fight will be part of the undercard for the Anthony Joshua vs. Otto Wallin event, with Joshua headlining despite not holding a world title. The card also features a notable heavyweight clash between former WBC champion Deontay Wilder and former WBO champion Joseph Parker.
Critics have labeled the December 23rd card as being filled with mismatches. Fans had hoped for a Joshua-Wilder main event, considering the long-standing anticipation around a potential bout between them. The addition of other fights like Filip Hrgovic vs. Mark De Mori and Arslanbek Makhmudov vs. Agit Kabayel adds depth to the event, but the overall sentiment is a desire for more competitive matchups.
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