‘Not Even Close’: Bob Arum Talks Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol Negotiations

On Saturday, January 20, in Quebec City, Canada, Artur Beterbiev (19-0, 19 KOs) will take on Callum Smith (29-1, 21 KOs) for the Russian-born fighter’s IBF, WBC and WBO light heavyweight titles. You can check out our prediction of the fight and the breakdown of the bout by numbers. Despite this result being far from certain, many are discussing the possibility of Beterbiev taking on Dmitry Bivol. In a recent interview, Bob Arum spoke on the negotiations for this potential fight with Michelle Joy Phelps.

Bob Arum Speaks on Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol

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Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol

In his interview with Boxing Social, Arum spoke about the blood and urine samples provided by Beterbiev on December 6, which came back atypical. He also discussed Josh Taylor vs. Jack Catterall negotiations. Arum was also asked about negotiations for Beterbiev vs. Bivol.

When asked about a potential fight between the two, Arum said: “I haven’t talked to Beterbiev about that fight.” He continued: “I think he’s willing to do it. I haven’t talked to His Excellency.” When asked if the fight was final Arum exclaimed: “Nothing even talked about on our side.” When asked about the reports of a done deal, he was forthright in his response: “Not even close.” 

The CEO of Top Rank went on to explain he felt the fight would “probably” happen, but he needed to talk to His Excellency and Beterbiev‘s team to discuss terms. He also spoke about not wanting to distract the Russian-born fighter from his fight against Smith.

Hear Dan Rafael and T.J. Rives discuss Beterbiev-Smith on the newest “Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast” by clicking play below,

Eddie Hearn on Beterbiev vs. Bivol

When speaking to Boxing News, Hearn discussed negotiations for Beterbiev vs. Bivol: “When we did the deal in Saudi Arabia with His Excellency, the plan was for Dmitry Bivol to fight for the undisputed fight. A fight that they like is Beterbiev against Bivol.” He added: “From our point of view with Bivol, he’s already signed to fight Artur Beterbiev.“

It appears from the recent comments from Hearn and Arum that if Beterbiev can beat Smith, the Montreal resident and his team can then begin to make the Bivol fight from their side.

In the same interview with Boxing News, Hean said: “There isn’t a deal in place for him to fight Callum Smith, but that will be quite a natural position if he were to win on Saturday. If and when he wins on Saturday, we’ll be looking to make the undisputed fight with Dmitry Bivol. In April sometime, April or May.”

Check out the highlights from the Beterbiev vs. Smith press conference.