WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman believes that Artur Beterbiev’s next fight will not be against Dmitry Bivol.
Bivol is the WBA light heavyweight champion, and an undisputed clash against unified titlist Beterbiev would settle the undisputed status at 175lbs.
Bivol last fought in November when he defeated GIlberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez, and he has also been linked with a rematch against undisputed super middleweight champion, Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez.
While an undisputed clash would be a high-profile event between two undefeated champions, Sulaiman is currently in favour of Callum Smith getting the nod for a challenge.
“For us, the mandatory fight is next (between Beterbiev and Smith),” Sulaiman said, reported BoxingScene.com.
He also praised his governing body’s champion as one of the best fighters of any divisions, after securing his 19th knockout in 19 fights, most recently against British challenger Anthony Yarde.
“Yes, definitely (he is pound-for-pound)”, Sulaiman added.
“Beterbiev, 19 wins, 19 KOs, three belts, very solid, very strong. It's a hard fight, among the best right now in boxing. Callum Smith is a marvellous fighter. His only loss was a unanimous decision with Canelo. So, the mandatory fight between Beterbiev and Smith will be very important”.