Mauricio Sulaiman Says Bivol Needs to Request Exemption Like Beterbiev Did
WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman says the decision preventing WBA light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol (21-0, 11KO) from competing for the legendary green belt is not personal. Moreover, he explains why unified champion Artur Beterbiev (19-0, 19KO) is allowed to maintain his status.
In 2022, the WBC sided with Ukraine by suspending Russian fighters from their rankings in response to the global outcry over the Russian invasion. The governing body’s decision has halted Bivol’s quest to become undisputed by fighting either Beterbiev or undisputed super middleweight champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez.
SULAIMAN EXPLAINS WHY BETERBIEV AND BIVOL’S SITUATION IS DIFFERENT
In an interview with Izquierado Boxeo, he explained the difference between Beterbiev and Bivol.
“He [Bivol] have to make a request as Beterbiev did, that he’s lived in Canada for 15 years, that he’s a Canadian resident, and that his kids are Canadian. That he has a Canadian boxing license.”
“The position of our body is not personal.”
In fairness, Sulaiman mentioned in a previous interview that Dmitry Bivol has not applied for a review concerning the matter. During a recent interview, the frustrated WBA champion attacked against the ruling by demanding they don’t mix politics with sports. If there is a process in place that could resolve the issue, then perhaps Team Bivol should look into it.
Artur Beterbiev is scheduled to defend the titles against Callum Smith on August 19 in Canada. Hopefully, they clear up this issue in time so an undisputed champion can be crowned.
