Watch: Before WBC Shelved Canelo Alvarez Rematch, Dmitry Bivol and Jermall Charlo Negotiated Their Own Fight Deal

Before the gavel fell on the Canelo Alvarez and Dmitry Bivol rematch, suspending it indefinitely, an unexpected tête-à-tête unfolded, throwing a curveball into the boxing world. WBC Middleweight Champion Jermall Charlo, known for his boxing acumen and unyielding spirit, abruptly stepped up to the plate, throwing a direct challenge at WBA light heavyweight champion Bivol.

In an era where negotiations often happen behind closed doors, orchestrated by managers and promoters, this public proposition shook the boxing world. Little did anyone expect that amidst the anticipation for a rematch between Bivol and Alvarez, a new narrative would emerge, introducing a wild card into the mix. Are we on the brink of a completely unexpected fight deal?

The unexpected challenge: Charlo calls out Dmitry Bivol

On November 27, 2022, a conversation took place that piqued the interest of boxing fans worldwide. WBC Middleweight Champion Jermall Charlo and WBA light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol found themselves engaged in a potential fight negotiation.

The conversation was kicked off by Charlo, who did not mince his words. “You want to fight me?” he asked Bivol directly, “I’ll fight you, come on.”

Bivol, taken aback but not backing down, responded by asking about the weight at which they would fight. “Which weight,” Bivol queried. Charlo was quick to reply, “Sixty-eight,” alluding to the Super Middleweight category.

Undeterred, Bivol then set a condition, expressing his interest in fighting for belts, “Sixty-eight? It could be,” Bivol said, before qualifying, “For belts. But you know my goal, to be honest, fighting for belts.”

Charlo responded with the assertion of his undisputed status, “Undisputed, right now,” and asked Bivol, “You want to fight me?” A surprised Bivol questioned this, to which Charlo revealed, “I got the WBC.”

The conversation continued with Bivol expressing doubt about his ability to cut weight to 160 lbs. After further negotiations, they landed on a potential 168 lbs fight.

But when Bivol queried about a belt at stake, Charlo admitted there wouldn’t be one. Instead, he insisted that the fight would serve as a major attraction. “No, no, no, no, no — no belt,” Charlo responded. “Just [for the] attraction. I’ll do it. Let’s do it.” After a moment, Bivol agreed to the prospect, “Yeah, I can do it, too,” Bivol conceded, “Yeah, why not?”

Read More: Oscar De La Hoya Remains Brutally Honest About Canelo Alvarez’s Performance Against John Ryder

Despite the intrigue and anticipation this discussion has sparked, there are still many questions to be answered. Will Bivol be willing to fight without a belt at stake? Can both fighters make the necessary preparations to fight at 168 lbs weight category?

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Most importantly, as a fan, are you excited about this potential matchup? Could this showdown shift the landscape of the boxing world? Only time will tell if this conversation becomes more than just words.