Oleksandr Gvozdyk vs Artur Beterbiev unification in the works!
3KingsBoxing has learned negotiations are not only currently taking place, but are close to being finalized for a light heavyweight unification bout between WBC champion Oleksandr Gvozdyk and IBF champion Artur Beterbeiv.
The potentially impending bout is heading for a date in Fall 2019 at a location TBD. The fight would air on an ESPN platform.
On paper, a fight between Gvozdyk and Beterbiev is an excellent and exciting fight. Both undefeated fighters can punch and are hungry to establish themselves as the best in a loaded division.
Gvozdyk looks to be hitting his stride and tapping into his potential. The Ukrainian has had a seemingly smooth progression throughout his career. He stopped Adonis Stevenson in eleven rounds to win the WBC title in December 2018. He has since made one defense, a fifth-round stoppage over Doudou Ngumbu in March 2019.
Beterbiev’s career has been known just as much for his battles with promoters and managers outside of the ring as for his prowess as a fighter. Because of his issues outside the ring, The Russian has only made two defenses of the IBF belt he won in November 2017.
What can’t be doubted about the IBF champion is his power, as he may be the hardest hitting light heavyweight in the sport. With his issues outside the ring finally settled, the 34-year old from Russian is finally getting the big fight opportunity he craves.
Light heavyweight is one of the deepest and most talented divisions right now. It’s noteworthy that Top Rank promotes both, Gvozdyk and Beterbiev. Along with WBO champion Sergey Kovalev, Top Rank has three of the four current world champions within its folds.
The promotional company headed by Bob Arum has big plans for the division. And the beginning of those plans looks to be in the full go with this bout between Gvozdyk and Beterbiev. As always, stay tuned to 3KingsBoxing for more details on this tantalizing fight.
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
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