Dmitry Bivol notched a career-defining win at the beginning of May, defeating Canelo Alvarez to retain the WBA (super) light heavyweight title.
With Alvarez opting to go straight into his trilogy against Gennadiy Golovkin on Sept. 17 instead of invoking his rematch clause, it leaves Bivol without a dance partner. He could take an interim fight or perhaps wait for the June 18 winner of unified champion Artur Beterbiev vs. WBO titlist Joe Smith Jr. If Bivol chooses the latter route, his promoter is confident that his fighter would take care of Beterbiev if he beats Smith.
“After that performance, I would say Bivol is a big favorite against Beterbiev, to be honest with you,” Hearn said on a recent appearance of The DAZN Boxing Show. “It’s a great fight. We’ll see how [Beterbiev] gets on with Joe Smith, but that performance from Bivol (against Alverez) was incredible.”
Much was made from the fans during fight week about how much Hearn appeared to favor Alvarez over Bivol. While Hearn admits to that because of his relationship with Alvarez, the head of Matchroom Boxing couldn't have been happier for Bivol and for what he did to the fighter many felt was the sport's pound-for-pound king until May 7.
“I got him the opportunity that I had always promised I would give him,” Hearn said.
“As much as I was disappointed for Saul, I was delighted for Dmitry because he’s a fine young man and he deserved his shot at greatness.”