WBA light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol is eyeing to break more than a year of inactivity in December, as the Russian is reportedly under negotiations to defend his world title against newly crowned IBO champion Lyndon Arthur.
Dmitry Bivol vs. Lyndon Arthur may take place in the US for the Russian’s WBA title
Bivol has not fought for 10 months, since he defeated Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramírez on November 5th last year to defend his 175-pound title. Although there were many rumors for a rematch with Canelo Álvarez, it did not materialize and the Russian continued looking for rivals. Jaime Munguía was one of the potential names but no agreement was reached between them.
Nevertheless, the latest developments point towards “King Arthur” as the next possible opponent for Bivol, who is looking to make a voluntary title defense of his WBA gold.
“DMITRY BIVOL could be set for a voluntary defence of his WBA light-heavyweight title against Lyndon Arthur this winter,” Boxing News Online reported. “Talks have opened regarding a clash between the number one-ranked Bivol and Manchester’s Arthur.”
“Matchroom have made contact with Wasserman, who promote Arthur, about a potential clash. Should that fight go ahead, it would likely take place in America in December and would be broadcast live on DAZN,” the outlet added.
In November, Bivol would complete more than a year without fighting and would do so while waiting for a big fight, either at 175 pounds or even at 168. At 175 the expected duel is with Arthur Beterbiev, the unified WBC, WBO and IBF champion who will fight in January.
Bivol, however, has insisted that he would be willing to drop to 168 pounds, where there are Canelo, David Benavidez, Munguía and other options waiting for him. The important thing for Bivol, while the big fights arrive, is the possibility of returning to the ring and it could be this very winter.
Arthur, who has 23 professional wins with 16 by knockout and 1 loss, is fresh off a 10th round KO victory over Braian Nahuel Suarez on 1st September in Bolton, marking his second win of this year. Arthur’s only defeat was in December 2021 when he was knocked out in round four by Anthony Yarde.
