A former UK opponent of Dimitry Bivol has called him out for a rematch
WBA champion Dmitry Bivol is about to head into the biggest fight of his career out in Saudi Arabia on June 1, taking on Artur Beterviev, a fellow unbeaten light heavyweight titlist, for all of the major world titles.
The undercard for the fight is just as epic as the main event with Frank Warren’s Queensbury taking on Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom in a 5 on 5 event that features fights like Daniel Dubois versus Fillip Hrgovic and Deontay Wilder versus Zhilei Zhang.
One other contest sees former British light heavyweight belt holder Craig Richards take on Willy Hutchinson over 12 rounds. Richards has currently as 18 wins, 11 by knockout n his record and has only lost to fellow Brit Joshua Buatsi and Bivol back in 2021 when he challenged for the WBA world title.
Speaking to Queensbury Promotions, Londoner Richards has said he would fare better this time round against Bivol should he get the rematch.
“This Craig now would destroy that [old] Craig. If that Craig was close with him then, then I know I could do the same with these guys. And this is what it’s about now, showing what I have learnt, a new version of me.
“It’s one thing doing it in the gym. I have bought in a lot of the old sparring partners I had then to spar now and the success level is completely different. It’s one thing doing it in the gym, it’s about implementing it on the night. So it’s an important night for myself.”
A win on the 5 on 5 card would not only bring his promoter Frank Warren some important points for the evening’s tournament but also get Richards back into world title contention.