Dmitry Bivol Wants To Fight Canelo Alvarez For the Undisputed Middleweight Crown
A proposed rematch between reigning WBA light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol (21-0, 11 KOs) and undisputed super middleweight champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez (57-2-2, 29 KOs) could be in danger. According to Bivol’s manager, Vadim Kornilov, he now questions if the fight happens at all. The issue seems to revolve around weight and finances, Kornilov explained during an interview with Little Giant Boxing.
“I mean, Bivol already beat him. He’s not as motivated, and it’s not really that big of a challenge for him. So, they have to meet certain terms that we’re asking for, and one of those terms right now is Bivol wants to fight him at 168.
First of all, it’s enticing for him [Alvarez] to put all the titles on the line, and he doesn’t want any more excuses. Bivol wants a fight where there’s no more excuses . . . I think if all the terms come together, then I believe in it, then I think we can make the fight happen . . . But I don’t see any action or any steps that are being taken to realize that.”
In May 2022, Alvarez made the jump to 175 to face Bivol but was defeated by a unanimous decision. There were talks the rematch would occur in September 2022 but got shelved when Alvarez underwent surgery to repair a damaged left hand. After the win over Alvarez, Bivol defended the light heavyweight title with an easy decision win over then-mandatory challenge Gilberto Ramirez in November 2022.
THE PLOT THICKENS
Alvarez is training to defend his super middleweight titles against WBO Interim 168-pound champion John Ryder in Mexico on May 6. If successful against Ryder, the Mexican superstar has been on record saying he wants his next fight with Bivol at 175.
However, Kornilov’s cynicism is cause for pause. It’s known throughout boxing circles that first and foremost on Bivol’s mind is a fight for undisputed status at 175 against the reigning unified light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev. If Bivol had his choice, he would face Beterbiev before Alvarez. However, Canelo continues to hold the rematch clause over his head.
Will Team Bivol get what they are demanding? Will Bivol – Canelo II happen? If it does, will it be at 168 or 175? Stay tuned to 3Kings Boxing for more on what is a very fluid situation.
