Dmitry Bivol vs Artur Beterbiev has taken a giant step closer to becoming a reality in 2024.
The undisputed WBA, WBC, IBF and WBO light-heavyweight world title fight has long been a desire of boxing fans, but never been close to actually coming to fruition, until now.
The two Russian fighters (Bivol was born in Kyrgyzstan, Beterbiev has Canada dual-nationality) are unable to meet in Russia at present.
This is because world title boxing has not been sanctioned in the country since the war with Ukraine began in 2022.
However, with increased backing from Saudi Arabia entering the sport in recent months, an opportunity has now opened up for the bout to potentially take place in the Middle East.
His Excellency Turki Alalshikh – the chairman of Saudi’s General Entertainment Authority (GEA) who is responsible for Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk being signed for February 17 – has expressed a desire to make Bivol vs Beterbiev.
WBA champion Bivol defended his belt by beating Lyndon Arthur as part of the most recent card backed by the GEA – the ‘Day of Reckoning’ event headlined by Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder on December 23.
And now American journalist Dan Rafael reports that Bivol has signed his contract for his side of the deal to face Beterbiev next.
Meanwhile Beterbiev’s co-promoter’s Bob Arum’s Top Rank (who also co-promote Fury) have also had talks with His Excellency Turki Alalshikh about the fight.
However, Beterbiev must first beat his WBC mandatory challenger Callum Smith on January 13.
This will be no easy task as the British former super-middleweight world champion has looked impressive at light-heavyweight.
If Beterbiev does emerge victorious though, he can then negotiate his side of the deal to face Bivol and potentially sign to finalise the fight in 2024.
