Sergio Mora believes that Dmitry Bivol should continue ‘chasing greatness’ and fight Artur Beterbiev ahead of any Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez rematch.
The former world champion praised Bivol, the WBA light heavyweight champion, for his ambition and willingness to face some of the best fighters in the world.
After defeating Canelo back in May, the champion followed it up with another successful defence at the start of November, this time against Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez.
That has led to speculation over who the 31-year-old wants next.
One option is a rematch against the undisputed super middleweight champion Canelo, who is recovering from surgery but who is expected to be ready in May next year, and the other is unified light heavyweight champion Beterbiev.
However, Beterbiev is set for a mandatory defence against Anthony Yarde and may not be able to fight until after Ramadan next year, pushing his availability way back, meaning it is not clear which fighter will be free first.
Speaking on DAZN’s Jabs, Mora believes Bivol should be the priority.
“Artur Beterbiev, that’s the legacy fight for Dmitry Bivol, and Bivol’s chasing him, man. You’ve got to love the fact that he’s chasing the unified champion, a man that’s knocked out everyone that’s been put in front of him.
“Beterbiev, 18 wins, 18 knockouts, scary as they come and Bivol wants it. This is something more fighters should be chasing, chasing greatness, not just some money, fights they can win. These are the fights we want to see. This is scary for Bivol, who is scary with his mindset, but Beterbiev is scary with his power. That is chasing greatness.”
Discussing a potential Canelo rematch at 168bls, he said: “I love the sound of that, but it’s up to Bivol if he can fluctuate weight safely. It’s one thing for Bivol who has campaigned at 175 for the last handful of fights to dry up to 168 and have an excuse. He’s a man who fights behind the jab and his brilliant footwork.
“The first thing you lose if you’re dehydrated when you’re going down the weight is your legs. Now if you can do it safely, with time, he's still young enough, then I’m all for Canelo. Canelo wants that fight, and Bivol wants legacy. What’s the bigger legacy fight? I think it’s Beterbiev, because it’s chasing undisputed. He already beaten Canelo.
“I love the sound of that if it happens, but we’re in the world of boxing, where what’s meant to happen doesn’t always happen.
“He can’t go wrong, either way.”