Dmitry Bivol Sets Conditions for Canelo for Second Fight

WBA light-heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol has shot at Canelo Alvarez and said if he wants a rematch then Canelo needs to speak to his promoter Eddie Hearn. Bivol made the remarks during a press conference in London ahead of his fight with WBC, IBF, and WBO champion Artur Beterbiev set for October 12.

The Defeat of Canelo by Dmitry Bivol In 2022

Sep 17, 2022; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Canelo Alvarez (red trunks) and Gennadiy Golovkin (white trunks) box during a super middleweight championship bout at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Many fans remember that over two years ago Dmitry Bivol successfully defended his light-heavyweight championship against Canelo Alvarez in Las Vegas. Canelo, who had won the titles to become the super middleweight world champion solely, decided to fight the Russian boxer.

However, he who slipped a weight division above came to the party well prepared and what ensued was a night where Dmitry dominated and handed Canelo his most definite loss ever on the cards. Since then, Canelo has stated that he would like another crack at Dmitry Bivol, he is now effectively signaling his desire to avenge the loss. The Mexican champion has already spoken in several interviews about his willingness to get revenge over Dmitry Bivol but the latter isn’t inclined to underestimate the 34-year-old opponent.

Bivol’s Focus on Artur Beterbiev

Earlier today (September 25), he spoke to Boxing News ahead of the press conference in London and was asked about the possibility of a rematch with Canelo. He said that

“I just don’t think about it at all,” Bivol stated. “I have my training camp, I have the Beterbiev fight, and then we will see. Just talks, talks. If we need to do some fight, he doesn’t need to talk with the media, he needs to talk to [promoter] Eddie Hearn.”

For now, he is gearing up for his regular light-heavyweight fight with Artur Beterbiev, the fight which is regarded as one of the most engaging of the year. Though he accepts that facing Canelo Alvarez again is an important fight, he has the right attitude for the next fight is a focused and relevant fight and his focus remains on the Beterbiev fight.

Canelo’s Recent Performance Against Berlanga

Canelo Alvarez remains a three-belt world champion at super-middleweight, and his only fight has been an exhilarating victory that took place just 11 days ago when he outclassed Edgar Berlanga. When asked whether he could comment on Canelo’s performance in that fight, Bivol said he had not watched the whole fight but saw parts of it.

In recent months, questions have been raised about Canelo’s future in boxing, with some speculating that his long and grueling career may be taking a toll on his performance. It is believed that the long and intense career of Canelo may begin to affect his performance. When Boxing News asked Bivol whether he believes Canelo is in decline, the Russian champion remained diplomatic.

What’s Next for Bivol?

For now, Dmitry Bivol does not think about jumping divisions, his primary concern is Artur Beterbiev. The potential rematch with Canelo Alvarez might still be on the talking, but Bivol is making it clear that if Alvarez wants it, he needs to get it through Eddie Hearn, his promoter. Otherwise, for now, Bivol is only focused on the next fight and establishing himself more in the light-heavyweight category.