Artur Beterbiev has thrown down a challenge to Dmitry Bivol as he looks to prove he’s the world’s best light-heavyweight once and for all.
Beterbiev was in devastating form this past weekend as he destroyed New York’s Joe Smith in his own backyard to add the WBO belt to his growing collection. The only title missing is Bivol’s WBA strap.
Bivol demonstrated his own dominance earlier this year when retaining his crown against all odds by outclassing Canelo Alvarez in one of the year’s biggest upsets.
Mandatory options are available for both fighters with Anthony Yarde and Joshua Buatsi looking on, but Beterbiev is more than ready for an undisputed showdown.
“I hope because they always talk about they want to fight,” said Beterbiev to Boxing Scene following his most recent win.
“OK, let’s do it. He always [says], ‘I want the fight. I want the fight.’ I don’t know what’s next.
“If he wants to fight, OK, let’s do it. Joe Smith wanted to fight. We did it. We’re gonna see. I mean, it’s boxing, you know? I can’t predict something about [the] future.”