Kornilov: “Unification With Beterbiev Is More Enticing Than Canelo At 175”

Dmitry Bivol Seeking Undisputed Status for Next Fight

Dmitry Bivol prefers unification with Artur Beterbiev over Canelo rematch at 175
(clockwise from left) Dmitry Bivol, Artur Beterbiev, Saul "Canelo" Alvarez | credit: Sye Williams, Richard Pelham/The Sun, Harry How/Getty Images

Team Bivol Sees Unification With Beterbiev More Appealing Than A Canelo Rematch


The drama of the rematch continues between WBA light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol (21-0, 11KO) and undisputed super middleweight champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez (57-2-2, 29KO). Bivol’s manager, Vadim Kornilov, claims a fight for undisputed with unified champion Artur Beterbiev (19-0, 19KO) is more enticing than a rematch with Canelo at light heavyweight.

It’s no secret Alvarez has been itching to get revenge for the defeat he suffered at the hands of the WBA champion in May 2022. While preparing to defend his undisputed crown against mandatory challenger John Ryder on May 6, Canelo stated the Bivol rematch must be at light heavyweight.

BETERBIEV IS THE MORE EXCITING FIGHT TO TEAM BIVOL

During an interview with Little Giant Boxing, Kornilov said believes a fight for undisputed against Beterbiev is the more intriguing fight.

“Canelo keeps on saying 175, except for 175 it’s like doing the same thing he’s already done before. So, I think [a] unification fight with Beterbiev . . . I think that’s a lot more enticing – that would be a challenge. That would be something that would get Bivol on his toes . . . because there’s something there, and then there’s that undisputed status, and then maybe talk about Canelo after that.”

Team Bivol is on record wanting the rematch for the super middleweight crown to eliminate all excuses. Canelo claimed the reason for losing the first encounter was due to an injured left hand.

What this all boils down to is Bivol wants to be an undisputed champion – period. It doesn’t matter if it’s against Canelo or Beterbiev, as he wants to add the title undisputed to his legacy. The ball is in Canelo’s court as Team Bivol has options and doesn’t seem overly concerned if the rematch happens either way.

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Garrisson Bland - Head of Public Relations/Senior Journalist. Garrisson is the Head of Public relations for 3kingsboxing.com as well as a senior writer. He is also the host of YouTube boxing show "Truth And Facts Sports Talk."