The action in the light heavyweight division picks up in a two-week time frame when WBC champion Oleksandr Gvozdyk and IBF titlist Artur Beterbiev meet in a title unification bout on Oct. 18 and WBO titleholder Sergey Kovalev takes on unified middleweight champion Saul "Canelo" Alvarez on Nov. 2.
Now you can add Dmitry Bivol to the list as he looks to defend his WBA belt for the sixth time against Lenin Castillo in the co-main event of Oleksandr Usyk vs. Tyrone Spong on Oct. 12 at the Wintrust Arena in Chicago, live on DAZN.
Since Bivol (16-0, 11 KOs) became the interim WBA champion in February of 2017 and was recognized as the full titleholder in November, he's defeated Trent Broadhurst, Sullivan Barrera, Isaac Chilemba and Jean Pascal. He most recently scored a unanimous decision victory over Joe Smith. Jr in March.
"I am happy that the fight is done and the opponent is confirmed for October 12," Bivol said in a press release. "Castillo is a good opponent. He fought Marcus Browne before; it was a good fight. I can’t wait and hope that we can make a very exciting performance for the fans!"
The most notable bout on Castillo's resume is a unanimous decision loss to former WBA interim champion Marcus Browne in August of 2018. The 31-year-old bounced back, though, winning back-to-back tilts to earn a crack at Bivol. He understands the opportunity that's in front of him and plans to seize the moment.
"It’s a dream come true! I consider Dmitriy Bivol in the top 20 on the pound-for-pound list, but I know that a have the tools to upset him," Castillo said. "I been training very hard. On October 12, you will see the best version of Lenin Castillo. I will take the title to the Dominican Republic!"