Unified light-heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev retained his IBF, WBC, and WBO titles against Anthony Yarde this week in London. The Russian boxer based in Montréal was able to knock out Yarde in the eighth round in a high-paced back-and-forth encounter. However, his victory only begs the question of who the now 19-0 boxer will face next.

Many have wanted to see Beterbiev face WBA champion Dmitry Bivol who gained superstardom in 2022 after beating Canelo Alvarez in an emphatic performance. Since then he has been very vocal about facing the unified champion. However, it looks like he will have to wait some more as WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman came out with a shocking suggestion for Beterbiev’s next opponent.

WBC’s ban on Russian fighters

According to combat sports journalist Michael Benson, WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman has come out and requested Beterbiev to face Callum Smith next. He has stated that the unified champion cannot face Dmitry Bivol for the undisputed championship due to WBC banning Russian athletes from boxing. Moreover, if Bivol wants to face Beterbiev he will have to file for an exemption.

“WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman has reiterated that the WBC still currently has a ban on Russian fighters, hence why he expects Artur Beterbiev to defend vs Callum Smith next and not have an undisputed fight with Dmitry Bivol. He said Bivol would have to request an exemption,” Benson wrote.

The WBC along with many other sanctioning bodies has placed a ban on Russian athletes due to its ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Russian athletes were also banned from competing in the recent Olympics as well along with the FIFA World Cup 2022. However, not all hope is lost for Bivol as there is one way he can possibly face Beterbiev.

The ‘loophole’: The only way Beterbiev vs Bivol can happen

Beterbiev himself is of Russian origin but fights out of Montreal in Canada. He has dual citizenship that allows him to compete despite the ban on Russian athletes. Moreover, this loophole could work with Bivol as well, since he was born in Kyrgyzstan and only moved to Russia when he was 11.

If Bivol can fight under Kyrgyzstan he could possibly face Beterbiev for undisputed gold. However, it seems that Suliman and the WBC are adamant about Russian athletes competing and will most likely make Beterbiev face Smith before a match with Bivol is booked.

What did you think about WBC wanting Beterbiev to face Callum Smith instead of Bivol? Let us know in the comments.

Watch This Story: Boxing News Round-Up (Jan 29, 2023). Artur Beterbiev’s Impressive TKO Win Against Yarde, Tommy Fury Mocks Jake Paul, KSI’s Take If Fury Wins Against Paul, and More