Dmitry Bivol’s popularity could significantly increase if he triumphs in the upcoming fight against Artur Beterbiev scheduled for October 12th. A win against Beterbiev would be particularly advantageous for Bivol as Canelo Alvarez has shown interest in facing him in May, rather than Beterbiev.
Canelo’s options for his next bout in the 168-pound division, in case he opts not to fight Terence Crawford, include potential opponents such as Christian Mbilli, Diego Pacheco, Caleb Plant, Trevor McCumby, and Jermall Charlo. The showdown between Bivol and Beterbiev is set to be aired on ESPN+ from Riyadh, with Bivol facing a formidable challenge due to Beterbiev’s fighting style.
If Bivol emerges victorious against Beterbiev, it could pave the way for a rematch with Canelo, creating significant excitement among fans. Conversely, a win for Beterbiev would force Canelo to look at other alternatives as he is not inclined to face Beterbiev. While the possibility of a Canelo vs. Crawford matchup is being considered, the complexities surrounding the financial aspects make it a difficult contest to arrange.
In the end, Crawford might gain more from a fight against Canelo, as fans could acknowledge his efforts even in a loss. The focus on Canelo’s preference for high-profile fights and the challenges associated with organizing them raise doubts about the likelihood of a showdown with Crawford coming to fruition.
