Undisputed fight against Bivol could tempt Canelo, says Hearn

DMITRY BIVOL won’t be short of options should he become undisputed light-heavyweight champion on Saturday night.

The 33-year-old must beat his Russian compatriot Artur Beterbiev to do so in what experts believes is a 50-50 fight.

Becoming undisputed champion will put many targets on Bivol’s back and one of those could well come from Mexico and Canelo Alvarez.

Bivol and Canelo fought in May 22 when the latter moved up to light-heavyweight for the second time in his career. While Canelo started as favourite he was outclassed on the night losing on points. The 34-year-old currently holds three of the four world titles at super-middleweight and the former undisputed 168lbs champion has made it known he would like a shot at redemption.

Eddie Hearn, who has promoted Canelo in the past, but currently promotes Bivol shared his thoughts on Bivol’s future with Boxing News earlier this week.

“I think that Canelo would fight anybody,” he said.

“He would want to rematch Dmitry Bivol because it’s very important to him to avenge that defeat. I think Eddy Reynoso knows boxing extremely well, knows that was a straightforward victory for Dmitry Bivol but the carrot of an undisputed championship at 175 might make that different and the money.

“If Dmitry wins on Saturday he’s got some huge, huge opportunities.”