Followers need to see Dmitry Bivol transfer as much as cruiserweight and problem IBF champion Jai Opetaia for his belt following his victory over undisputed tremendous middleweight champion Artur Beterbiev of their rematch final Saturday night time.
Opetaia would probably welcome a struggle towards Bivol as a result of he speaks extremely of him and likes his technical abilities. It might take numerous bravery on Bivol’s half to go up in weight by 25 lbs, however that’s much like what Canelo Alvarez handled when he moved as much as 175 and fought him in 2022.
Bivol’s promoters at Matchroom Boxing have been telling followers and the media that he’s 2-0 towards Beterbiev as a result of they really feel he deserved a win within the first struggle final October. In the event that they actually consider that, it means there are not any extra mountains to climb at 175. Bivol may as properly transfer as much as cruiserweight to problem the King of the division, Opetaia (27-0, 21 KOs).
They don’t need Bivol (24-1, 12 KOs) to try this as a result of the danger of him getting knocked out by Opetaia can be too excessive. Additionally, Matchroom promoters Eddie Hearn and Frank Smith hope Canelo Alvarez will need to struggle him in a rematch. That isn’t very probably, however they’re hoping it is going to occur.
If Bivol doesn’t struggle Beterbiev in a trilogy match and doesn’t get the Canelo struggle, shifting as much as cruiserweight for a battle towards Opetaia makes probably the most sense. Let’s see if Bivol’s motion, quick mixtures, and clinching will work for him towards Jai. There’s not that a lot of a distinction in measurement between them.
Bivol’s Choices at 168
– Beterbiev trilogy– Canelo Alvarez– David Benavidez– Callum Smith– Terence Crawford– Anthony Yarde
The trilogy with Beterbiev will come down as to whether Turki Alalshikh needs to pursue it. He’s acquired to remember that followers aren’t all that interested by seeing a 3rd struggle between them. They need one thing totally different.
Boxing Information 24 » Will Bivol Dare to Face Opetaia at 200?
Final Up to date on 02/25/2025
