WBA light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol is aiming to become the division’s undisputed champion.
The Russian was in control for his match against Craig Richards on Saturday as part of the Derek Chisora vs. Joseph Parker undercard, and recorded a 118-10, 115-13, 115-14 victory after the fight went the distance, but it was not a one-sided affair.
Bivol admitted he had to put a shift in after so long away from boxing, with the coronavirus pandemic at the heart of a year-and-a-half absence from competitive action.
Speaking to Matchroom, Bivol admitted: “I’m not happy but I’m okay.
“It was a long rest for me and I went into the ring after one and a half years. It’s fine. My opponent was a good fighter, really good. He’s smart and he thinks. He was thinking for the whole fight.
"It’s okay. I was feeling that I’d won. I gave him a couple of rounds for recovery. I landed more clean punches. I respect him and I respected him before the fight. I think he can make problems for all fighters because of his style.
"He moved a lot. Fighters who move a lot and have good speed are really hard. He is a good fighter, but I have more weapons in my arsenal. I’m glad I have had another defence. Of course, I want unification fights. I still want them. I haven’t had a chance to fight for another belt, this is why I defend my belt.”
There are three more belts up for grabs in the division, with Artur Beterbiev holding the WBC and IBF belts, and Joe Smith Jr. the WBO champion. The 30-year-old fighter is aiming to secure a fight against either of them in the future.
"I’d like to fight for another belt, it would be a good challenge for me,” he confirmed.
“I believe I can become the undisputed world champion one day, this is why I train, that’s why I have a good team. I believe one day I will be if I train hard. Thanks to everyone who supports me and watched this fight.”