Dmitry Bivol vs Lyndon Arthur Title Fight in the Works
Dmitry Bivol (21-0, 11 KOs) has yet to fight so far in 2023. However, the reigning WBA light heavyweight champion could be on the verge of finally getting back to action. Word on the street is that Team Bivol is targeting a title defense against England’s Lyndon Arthur (23-1, 16 KOs).
According to the news source Boxing News, negotiations have begun between the two 175-pounders. If both parties can agree to terms, the matchup will likely occur in December of this year in the United States.
OUT OF ACTION
The WBA champion hasn’t fought since a unanimous decision victory over former super middleweight champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez in November 2022. Bivol hoped to engage in a unification contest against unified light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev. However, a WBC provision prohibits Russian natives from fighting for a WBC-sanctioned world title. It prevents Bivol from getting the opportunity to face Beterbiev for undisputed status in the division.
Arthur is currently ranked fourth by the WBO, seventh by the WBA, and eleventh by the WBC at 175. He is fresh off a dramatic tenth-round stoppage over Nahuel Suarez on September 1. After getting knocked down in the early rounds, on the verge of a sure defeat, Arthur put Suarez down for the count with a single left hook to the body in round ten.
Bivol hopes to salvage something out of this year with a voluntary title defense. Arthur would love to land the fight with Bivol in what would be his first world title shot. Stay tuned to 3Kings Boxing for further updates.
