Current champion Beterbiev will next fight with Dmitry Bivol
John Scullytrainer of the WBC light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbievcriticized the decision to appoint the winner of the fight Alexandra Gvozdika With David Benavidez “temporary” world champion.
“To make one of these guys interim champion is crazy. This is one aspect of boxing that I absolutely hate. I think a lot of people don’t even realize that you don’t even need a temporary champion. A true champion is active and ready to act at any time. This is not necessary and it is wrong.”
“I refuse to acknowledge them at all. They absolutely won’t go down in history as light heavyweight champions of the world unless they can somehow fight Arthur and beat him. I can’t believe anyone in boxing allowed this to happen.”
“I hope that the winner somehow has the honor and intelligence and is aware of the reality to tell people that he won’t feel like a champion until he beats a real champion. Otherwise, walking around with a belt and pretending to be the best is a tragic joke and a slap in the face to our game.”
Gvozdyk suffered the only defeat of his professional career against Beterbiev in 2019. The Ukrainian later announced his retirement, but returned to boxing.
Let us remind you that WBC Ukraine President Nikolai Kovalchuk recently announced a fight between Gvozdyk and Benavidez. The fight will take place for the WBC interim champion belt, which is owned by the American. According to the Ukrainian boxer, this fight will take place next summer – in June or July.
Beterbiev, in addition to the WBC belt, also holds the WBO and IBF titles. Arthur will next fight against WBO champion Dmitry Bivol for the title of absolute light heavyweight champion.
Source: Sportarena
I am Ashley Ortiz and I am a professional journalist working for Athletistic. My specialty is in sports journalism, particularly boxing. I have written articles for some of the most renowned publications on the subject, and my work has been featured across both print and digital media platforms.
