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Bivol returned to action last month after a lengthy layoff, earning a one-sided victory over Michael Eifert in an IBF mandatory defense. With that obligation out of the way, attention has shifted to what comes next for the unified light heavyweight champion.
“There’s a lot of interest in the Beterbiev fight in Russia,” said Eddie Hearn to Boxingscene when discussing Bivol’s future.
“It’s a fight that’s important to Dmitry.
“Dmitry wants the biggest fights in the sport.”
Bivol and Beterbiev have already met twice in one of boxing’s most competitive rivalries. Beterbiev edged their first fight before Bivol gained revenge in the rematch, leaving the series tied at one victory apiece. Plans for a third meeting were delayed after Bivol suffered a back injury that kept him out of the ring for an extended period.
The light heavyweight division has continued to move forward during that time. David Benavidez now holds the WBC title, while Callum Smith sits in position as Bivol’s WBO mandatory challenger.
Hearn acknowledged that a decision is approaching.
“He’s had his little run out against Eifert, his mandatory, and now he’s got to decide if he’s going to fight Callum Smith or vacate the WBO,” said Hearn.
“I think the Benavidez fight is a great fight, but so is the Callum Smith fight, and obviously it’s interesting having both those guys as our clients.
“So we’ve got to see what’s next.”
A trilogy bout with Beterbiev would be one of the biggest fights available in the division, but it could complicate Bivol’s championship situation. Hearn noted that Smith could be elevated to full WBO champion if Bivol chooses not to fulfill his mandatory obligation.
Bivol appears to have several major options on the table, but Hearn made it clear that a third fight with Beterbiev remains high on the champion’s list of priorities.
