Dmitry Bivol delivered a stunning performance on February 22nd, finally avenging his earlier loss to Artur Beterbiev.
After 12 intense rounds, the judges’ scorecards read 115-113, 116-112, and 114-114, all in favor of Bivol, crowning him the new IBF, WBO, WBC, and WBA Light Heavyweight Champion.
His promoter, Eddie Hearn, was ecstatic, praising Bivol‘s resilience throughout the fight and his dominant performance.
However, what really caught attention during the post-fight interview were the intriguing possibilities Hearn teased for Bivol’s next opponent.
Could we see a trilogy with Beterbiev? Or perhaps matchups with other top contenders like David Benavidez or even a rematch with Canelo Alvarez?
Eddie Hearn teases potential showdowns for Bivol
Hearn shared his excitement about Bivol‘s performance but quickly shifted the focus to what’s next.
“Whatever His Excellency wants,” Hearn replied to Ring Magazine, hinting at several potential matchups for his champion.
He named three major options: a trilogy with Artur Beterbiev, a title shot against David Benavidez, or a rematch with Canelo Alvarez.
The idea of a rematch with Canelo seems particularly intriguing given the first fight’s one-sided result in Bivol’s favor.
However, Canelo‘s current four-fight deal with Saudi Arabia’s His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, which runs until October 2024, makes this bout unlikely-unless there’s a sudden change in plans. In boxing, though, surprises are always possible.
Beterbiev, 40, who tasted his first defeat as a professional against Bivol, hasn’t given up on the idea of a third fight. Despite losing the second bout, Beterbiev remains determined to reclaim his spot at the top.
“Now it’s my time to come back… We’re gonna do a third fight,” Beterbiev declared.
A third match between Bivol and Beterbiev would certainly intrigue fans, given how closely contested the second bout was. Bivol now holds all the major titles, but Beterbiev is eager to prove he’s still a force in the division.
A trilogy could settle the debate over who truly reigns supreme in the light heavyweight division.
As both fighters continue to plot their futures, the anticipation for their next moves grows.
With multiple big-name opponents on the horizon, including Beterbiev, Benavidez, and possibly Canelo, boxing fans have a lot to look forward to in the coming months.
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