Via Sean Jones: Eddie Hearn hopes to host a bout between Dmitry Bivol and undefeated WBA lightweight 2nd place rival Joshua Buatsi early next year.
With Canelo Alvarez deciding to take part in a Cinco de Mayo tuning match in May, Bivol (21-0, 11 KOs) needed an opponent to defend the next title for his 175 lb WBA belt.
Since Hearn promoted the undefeated 2016 Olympian Buatsi (16-0, 13 KOs) as well as Bivol, it was a natural fight.
It will suit British boxing fans, as they are familiar with 29-year-old Buatsi, but it was not a match that attracted much interest from casual and hardcore US fans. .
A better choice for Bivol to fight in the first quarter of 2023 would be one of the following guys:
- David Benavidez
- cabbage plant
- David Morrel
- Demetrius Andrade
- Joe Smith Jr.
- Marcus Browne
Hearn also wanted to use Callum Smith as an opponent in Bivol’s next match, but that was also a situation. Callum is not well known in the United States, especially his lousy performance against Canelo Alvarez in 2019.
It was a match where Callum leaned against the rope like a big bird and stayed there during the match, getting hit in the arm by Canelo.
It seemed like Callum was afraid to act in the middle of the ring, so he leaned against the ropes, like a serious training partner, doing his job in front of a boxer of his caliber.
“We wanted to. He stepped on the water a little bit after turning down the fight with Bivol. Obviously, the imperative. [for Dmitry Bivol against Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez] has been called, but it is likely that the Bivol fight will follow,” said Eddie Hearn iFL TV about the next match for #2 WBA Joshua Buatsi against Dmitry Bivol.
“I feel it will be interesting to see what Bivol does next, with Canelo Alvarez likely to have a smaller game in May, looking to take on Bivol in September. Then you’ve got the undisputed fight.
“[Artur] will fight [Anthony] Yarde, and then maybe he’ll have time for Ramadan. When will he be ready to fight? We all have to pack our stuff there and see what’s next.
“You have Buatsi, you have Callum Smith. Everyone is wading in the water waiting for that big world title fight, and it’s tough when there are only two champions [Bivol & Beterbiev]”Hearn said.
