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. Speculation is rife that the two could be on the cusp of an agreement to unify their titles and vie for the undisputed 175-pound championship later this year.
The buzz surrounding this potential matchup reached new heights following Beterbiev's dominant display against Callum Smith of England last Saturday. Beterbiev, who holds the WBC, WBO, and IBF 175-pound titles, dispatched Smith in seven rounds at the Centre Videotron in Quebec City, Canada, reaffirming his status as a force to be reckoned with in the division.
In the aftermath of his victory, Beterbiev's promoter, Bob Arum of Top Rank, hinted at discussions with Turki Alalshikh, a prominent figure in Saudi Arabia's boxing scene known for orchestrating high-profile events. Alalshikh has played a pivotal role in organizing major fights, including the upcoming clash between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk for the undisputed heavyweight crown in Riyadh next month.
Arum expressed optimism about the prospects of a Beterbiev-Bivol showdown, eyeing a potential summer spectacle. On the other side, Eddie Hearn, Bivol's promoter, affirmed their willingness to make the fight happen, placing the ball firmly in Alalshikh's court.
Despite the growing anticipation, Beterbiev remained cautious in his post-fight remarks, downplaying the immediacy of a clash with Bivol. He criticized Bivol for constantly discussing a potential bout over the past few years, labeling it as a publicity stunt.
Efforts to broker a deal between the two camps have been hindered by boxing politics, with promoters often reluctant to collaborate due to conflicting broadcast deals. However, the emergence of Saudi Arabia as a major player in the boxing landscape has injected a new dynamic into negotiations.
Alalshikh's track record of bringing together rival promoters for blockbuster events has reshaped the sport's business landscape. His successful collaborations with the likes of Hearn and Frank Warren have paved the way for historic matchups, signaling a potential turning point in the sport's politics.