Vadim Kornilov, manager for WBA, IBO light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol, does not expect the World Boxing Council (WBC) to be an obstacle in a potential undisputed fight between Artur Beterbiev and Bivol. Last Saturday, Bivol was back in action in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and he easily dominated British contender Lyndon Arthur over twelve rounds to unite the WBA and IBO titles with a lopsided unanimous decision win.
Beterbiev, who holds the WBC, WBA, and IBF world titles, is scheduled to face British contender Callum Smith in a mandatory defense next month in Canada. Depending on the outcome of this fight, Kornilov predicts that the Beterbiev vs Bivol fight could take place in March or April of 2021.
The WBC president, Mauricio Sulaiman, previously made it clear that his organization would not allow Beterbiev to defend their title against Bivol in protest to the ongoing military conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Critics often pointed out that Beterbiev is also a Russian fighter, although he has lived in Canada for several years, and Bivol resides in California. However, Sulaiman indicated that Bivol’s handlers could submit an application for an exception.
Kornilov commented that “The fight with Beterbiev is possible in March or April of next year. But he still has a fight with Smith in January. I don’t think there will be any obstacles from the WBC. And I don’t think there will be any [obstacles] with anyone else. The sanctioning bodies will want to take part in a fight of this magnitude.” He further added that “there is little on our part that can stop this fight. In the case of Beterbiev, everything depends on the fight against Smith and on his agreement.”
Beterbiev, 38-years-old, has an unbeaten record of 19 wins (19 by knockout). Bivol, 33-years-old, also holds an unbeaten record with 22 wins (11 by knockout). If the fight between these two boxers is finalized, it promises to be an epic showdown, and boxing fans will be looking forward to it.
Vadim Kornilov does not expect the WBC to be an obstacle in a potential undisputed fight between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol. Both boxers have an impressive unbeaten record and the fight, if it takes place, will be an epic showdown. However, Beterbiev has to first overcome his mandatory defense against Callum Smith in order for the fight to become a reality.
