Dmitry Bivol has explained that he would prefer to fight Artur Beterbiev ahead of a potential rematch with Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez.
Bivol defeated the Mexican back in May in an upset victory but a follow-up win against Canelo’s compatriot, Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez left him with the apparent choice of a rematch with Alvarez or a showdown with unified light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev.
With Canelo recovering from surgery and Beterbiev occupied with other fights and then expecting a break for Ramadan, there may be a long wait ahead for Bivol. However, he is clear that for his resume, he wants Beterbiev ahead of anyone else, even Canelo.
Speaking on The DAZN Boxing Show, he discussed a potential undisputed match-up.
“With fighters like Beterbiev, you have to be in focus every single second of the fight,” Bivol stated.
“It’s hard work to be focused for 36 minutes. You get tired, you spend more energy. He’s a good fighter, you have to be ready for him.”
He then explained that getting the fight he prefers is not just up to him, though.
He continued: “It depends on promoters, mine and my opponents’. I just can say I want to fight this guy and they can listen to me, think about business, and make something.
“For my legacy it’s better to fight for another belt. I made 10 defences, I want to fight for something else.
Of Canelo, he added: “I may not box him now. It’s up to me to choose what I want.”