Newly crowned WBO light heavyweight champion Eleider Alvarez (24-0, 12 KOs) has finally arrived on the scene.
Last month, he shocked the experts when he knocked out betting favorite Sergey Kovalev in seven rounds.
A rematch is likely, as Kovalev intends to exercise his contracted right to an immediate rematch.
There are numerous other options for Alvarez in what is certainly a loaded weight class.
Alvarez is promoted by Yvon Michel of GYM - who also promotes WBC champion Adonis Stevenson and IBF champion Artur Beterbiev.
A fight with Stevenson and Bivol is possible, but Beterbiev would be tough as they share the same trainer in Marc Ramsay.
In terms of his options, he views Bivol as the most likely opponent of the bunch.
Alvarez and Bivol are both fighting on HBO, while Beteriev has aligned himself with streaming service DAZN, and Stevenson is competing exclusively on Showtime
Alvarez feels confident in his ability to stop both Bivol and Stevenson.
“I think a Bivol fight is most possible of the three champions to happen followed by Stevenson. Beterbiev won’t happen for a while since we have the same coach and often work out together,” said Alvarez to Premier Boxing Champions.
“Stevenson’s an aging fighter whose energy faded against Badou Jack. So I’d do pretty much the same thing as against Kovalev, using footwork to slow him down, and, if it comes, I can knock him out. Bivol would be more of a strategic fight with his youth, speed and technique. But I noticed some flaws in the later rounds against Chilemba, so a KO can happen with Bivol, too.
“Beterbiev is physically strong, so I’d use my jab, lateral movement and outbox him for 12 rounds. In a rematch, knowing Kovalev, I would beat him more convincingly. But whether it’s Bivol, Stevenson, Beterbiev or Kovalev, I’m ready to fight any of them.”
2023-10-21 17:23:42
