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Bob Arum Confirms When Artur Beterbiev Will Be Ready to Fight Dmitry Bivol

Originally posted on Big Fight Weekend | By Ricky Carroll | Last updated 1/14/24

In the build-up to Artur Beterbiev vs. Callum Smith, there was already talk about the potential match-up between the Montreal resident and Dmitry Bivol – with Bob Arum describing negotiations as “Not even close.” Following Beterbiev’s dominating win against Callum Smith, Arum and the Russian-born fighter were asked about the potential fight against Bivol.

Bob Arum Speaks On Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol

Rumours Regarding Beterbiev vs. Bivol

In that recent interview with Boxing Social, Bob Arum spoke on the reported negotiations for Beterbiev vs. Bivol and said: “I haven’t talked to Beterbiev about that fight.” He continued: “I think he’s willing to do it. I haven’t talked to His Excellency.” When asked if the fight was final Arum exclaimed: “Nothing even talked about on our side.” When asked about the reports of a done deal, he was forthright in his response: “Not even close.”

Eddie Hearn had previously spoken to Boxing News and said: “When we did the deal in Saudi Arabia with His Excellency, the plan was for Dmitry Bivol to fight for the undisputed fight. A fight that they like is Beterbiev against Bivol.” He added: “From our point of view with Bivol, he’s already signed to fight Artur Beterbiev.“

Bob Arum seemed reluctant to distract his fighter and discuss negotiations before the Smith fight. But now his man had won, attention quickly turned to the undisputed bout with Bivol. The Russian-born fighter was asked following his victory over Smith about the Bivol contest, and he said he wants the fight. Arum also added that he would speak to Turki Alalshikh about getting it agreed. He also mentioned it will happen approximately three months after Ramadan, meaning this monster bout will happen in mid-July at the earliest.

Who do you have winning between Beterbiev and Bivol?

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