Dmitry Bivol is hopeful that he can finally secure a light-heavyweight unification bout with Artur Beterbiev next year.
The two leading fighters at 175lbs have been linked to a contest for numerous years as they look to decide the best fighter and the WBA ruler is confident that the bout is getting closer.
Beterbiev will defend his world titles when he faces Callum Smith, a former world champion at 168lbs, in January.
Speculation is also linking Bivol to be back in the ring the same month as he looks to end a run of inactivity going back to November 2022. If both men come through their fights, then boxing could have another undisputed showdown.
“Every time I hope for the next fight, but he, of course, has a fight,” said Dmitry Bivol when speaking to Fight Hub TV
“I ask my team how we can. I like it. I need to make a fight [in January] and then make a fight in June or July. It’s better June.
“The fight against Beterbiev is a great fight, to be honest. For me as an athlete, I see him as a great fighter. He’s a very big puncher. He’s one of the biggest punchers in boxing today. Not just in the light heavyweight class. For me, it’s interesting to check my skills against an opponent like him.”