Dmitry Bivol vs. John Ryder Could Happen, Reveals Eddie Hearn

Dmitry Bivol could defend his WBA light heavyweight title against John Ryder next time out after the talks to face Canelo Alvarez fizzled.

Bivol was in talks to face Alvarez when the Caleb Plant talks first were dashed but after they were picked back up again and they agreed to a deal, Bivol was left with an opponent. Now, according to Hearn, the Russian could face Ryder despite him being next in line to face David Morrell for WBA regular super-middleweight title.

“I might put him in with John Ryder,” Hearn said (via boxingscene). “He [Ryder] wants it. He is a super middleweight but is meant to fight Morrell for the world title, but that’s a tough fight, so why not fight Bivol. I think a lot of people feel Bivol is beatable right now, although he is still unbeaten.”

According to Hearn, the winner of that fight would most likely face Buatsi early next year. The hope for the promoter would be to stage the fight at the O2 Arena in London.

“I think we are going to box Bivol in October and Josh will box in November or December, probably in America,” Hearn said. “After that, a world title fight in March – it’s the perfect O2 Arena fight, isn’t it?  One thing for sure, if you win a world title in this division you have earned it. Beterbiev, Bivol and Joe Smith Jr – there are no poor champions.” 

Dmitry Bivol is 18-0 and coming off a decision win over Craig Richards in May to retain his belt. Prior to that, he defeated Gilbert Lenin Castillo, Joe Smith Jr., and Jean Pascal among others. Ryder, meanwhile, is 29-5 and coming off a decision win Mike Guy after losing to Callum Smith.

Would you like to see Dmitry Bivol vs. John Ryder?