On Saturday, January 20, in Quebec City, Canada, Artur Beterbiev (19-0, 19 KOs) will face Callum Smith (29-1, 21 KOs) for the Russian-born fighter’s IBF, WBC and WBO light heavyweight titles. You can consult our fight prediction and the breakdown of the fight by numbers. Although this outcome is not certain, many discuss the possibility of Beterbiev assuming Dmitri Bivol. In a recent interview, Bob Arum spoke about the negotiations for this potential fight with Michelle Joy Phelps.
Bob Arum talks about Artur Beterbiev against Dmitry Bivol
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Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol
In his interview with Boxing Social, Arum spoke about the blood and urine samples provided by Beterbiev on December 6, which was atypical. He also discussed jose taylor vs. Jack Catterall talks. Arum was also asked about the negotiations between Beterbiev and Bivol.
When asked about a possible fight between the two, Arum said: “I haven’t spoken to Beterbiev about that fight.“He continued:”I think he’s willing to do it. I have not spoken with the Excellency about him.When asked if the fight was final, Arum exclaimed: “Nothing was even discussed on our part.When asked about reports of a done deal, he was blunt in his response: “Not even close.”
The Top Rank CEO went on to explain that he felt the fight would “probably” happen, but that he needed to talk to His Excellency and Beterbiev.‘s team to discuss the terms. He also talked about not wanting to distract the Russian-born fighter from his fight against Smith.
Listen to Dan Rafael and TJ Rives talk about Beterbiev-Smith on the latest “Big Fight Pre-Weekend Podcast” by clicking play below.
Eddie Hearn on Beterbiev vs. Bivol
when talking to boxing news, Hearn spoke about the negotiations between Beterbiev and Bivol: “When we made the deal in Saudi Arabia with His Excellency, the plan was for Dmitry Bivol to fight for the undisputed fight. A fight they like is Beterbiev against Bivol.” And he added: “From our point of view, Bivol has already signed to fight Artur Beterbiev.”
It’s clear from Hearn and Arum’s recent comments that if Beterbiev can beat Smith, the Montreal resident and his team can start making Bivol fight on their side.
In the same interview with Boxing News, Hean said: “There is no agreement for him to fight Callum Smith, but that would be a pretty natural position if he won on Saturday. If he wins on Saturday, we will look to make the fight undisputed with Dmitry Bivol. Sometime in April, April or May.”
Watch highlights from the press conference between Beterbiev and Smith.
