Is a Canelo Alvarez – Dmitry Bivol Clash a Real Possibility?
For the longest, the belief was that unified WBA “Super’/WBC/WBO World super middleweight champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez’s (56-1-2, 38 KOs) next fight would be against IBF world 168-pound titleholder Caleb Plant (21-0, 12 KOs). The hype was the bout would take place on September 18 for undisputed honors in the division. However, this is boxing. Nothing is guaranteed, especially when it comes to a fight of that magnitude and the big money that goes with it. Unfortunately, it looks as Alvarez v Plant will not be. Neither party could come to terms during negotiations. The question now becomes: where does Canelo go from here?
According to Sky Sports, members from Alvarez’s team have reached out to the representatives of current WBA “Super” World light heavyweight champ Dmitry Bivol (18-0, 11 KOs). It was about a possible fight between Bivol and Alvarez on September 18, in replacement of the failed bout against Plant. Andrey Ryabinskiy, President of World of Boxing and co-promoter of Bivol, told Sky they are very intrigued by a fight against Alvarez.
Then there’s this additional tidbit: Matchroom Boxing CEO Eddie Hearn, fellow co-promoter of Bivol, gave his thoughts on the possibility during a July 30 interview with iFL TV.
“I talked to Saul last night. I think the decision is, do we go with September 18? It’s seven weeks tomorrow. So, it’s any day that decision has to come.
I think Bivol is the fight, I think he’s ready. Obviously, we promote him. We’ve spoken to his manager. They want the fight, they’ve been looking for that breakout fight for some time. I think it’s a really, really good fight, a tough fight. So, we’ll have to see”.
THE TOUGHER FIGHT FOR CANELO?
Bivol would love to face Alvarez. He is even willing to move down to super middleweight to make it happen. The 30-year-old resident of Saint Petersburg, Russia stays in shape year-round and claims he can make 168. If a fight between them happens in September, Bivol would have to do just that.
It’s disappointing that an Alvarez v Plant showdown for all the titles at 168 is not happening. However, a match between Alvarez and Bivol could be the better fight.
Canelo Alvarez is ranked first in the 3KingsBoxing Top 10 rankings and is arguably the sport’s biggest draw. Bivol is thought to be the most skilled boxer at light heavyweight and in his fighting prime. Many pundits feel he is overall better and more accomplished than Plant. If there is one fighter from 160-175 who has the best chance of knocking off Alvarez, Bivol could be that guy.
Nothing has been finalized. Hearn has a history of talking up a fight only for it to not happen. Hardcore fight fans have their fingers crossed. If it happens, it would be Alvarez’s toughest opponent and toughest test in quite some time. Stay tuned to 3KingsBoxing for further updates.
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
