Dmitry Bivol slated for October return, new British contender named as possible opponent | Boxing News

DMITRY BIVOL will return to the ring in October.

The number one ranked light-heavyweight is yet to fight in 2023 after having a career best 12 months last year.

In 2022 Bivol 21-0 (11) was the clear pick for Fighter of the Year having comfortably beaten Canelo Alvarez and Gilberto Ramirez. Those wins significantly elevated his standing in the sport, but injury halted the great momentum he created.

His co-promoter Eddie Hearn revealed to Boxing News when the 32-year-old would fight again and who he hopes it will be against.

“He’s going to fight in October. He’s had an injury. People think he’s not fighting. He’s had an injury; he’ll be ready for October. We made an offer to Dan Azeez he chose not to take it. We’re going to make an offer to Anthony Yarde and Queensberry for that fight. I like the fight and we’ll see.”

During an interview with BN last month Hearn spoke of his belief that Bivol v Azeez would happen. Azeez had also been linked to a fight against Joshua Buatsi. In June a press release surfaced online announcing the fight but confusion surrounded where the document originated from. No official confirmation has been announced since then.

Buatsi left Matchroom after nearly six years together to sign a promotional deal with Boxxer earlier this year. Azeez, the European light-heavyweight champion was rumoured to be a free agent, but promoter Ben Shalom denied that when speaking to Sky Sports last week about the prospect of Buatsi facing Azeez.

“Both fighters have agreed to fight each other,” he said. “It’s flattering when other promoters are talking about your fighters, but Dan Azeez is with Boxxer, he’s one of our proudest achievements.

“The Buatsi fight is one they’ve both agreed to, it’s definitely one that happens this year, which British boxing fans are hugely excited about.”