The boxing world thrives on the unexpected, and in an era of calculated career moves, undisputed light-heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol has delivered a curveball. Fresh off a career-defining victory over Artur Beterbiev, the subtle technician is reportedly casting an intrigued eye towards the cruiserweight division, specifically at the WBC titleholder, Badou Jack. This pivot suggests a fascinating strategic play, navigating a crowded light-heavyweight landscape while chasing multi-division glory.
The Lure of the Cruiserweight Canvas
Dmitry Bivol`s manager, Vadim Kornilov, recently divulged his fighter`s unexpected curiosity. While the logical next step for Bivol might appear to be a high-stakes trilogy bout with Beterbiev – or a mandatory defense against the formidable David Benavidez – Bivol seems to be charting a different course. “Dmitry’s been talking about the cruiserweight situation a lot,” Kornilov noted, adding that Bivol “feels very confident” about making the jump to 200 pounds.
The specific target of this newfound interest? Badou Jack, the seasoned Swede, affectionately known as `The Ripper`. At 41, Jack holds the WBC cruiserweight strap, a title he emphatically claimed in early 2023. Bivol`s stated desire to “see Badou Jack fight” in his upcoming defense against Ryan Rozicki in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, speaks volumes. It`s not merely casual observation; it hints at detailed reconnaissance for a potential future encounter.
A Strategic Chess Match Amidst Light-Heavyweight Turbulence
Bivol’s current situation at light-heavyweight is, to put it mildly, complex. Having just avenged his sole professional defeat against Beterbiev in a hotly contested majority decision, a third clash between the two undisputed titans is an obvious, if brutal, proposition. However, lurking in the shadows is WBC mandatory challenger David Benavidez, a fighter known for his aggressive style and relentless pressure. A purse bid for the Benavidez fight is already scheduled, and pursuing that path would likely force Bivol to vacate his WBC light-heavyweight belt, a crown he fought hard to unify.
For a fighter of Bivol`s caliber, holding multiple belts in one division is paramount. Vacating a title, even strategically, is not a decision taken lightly. The move to cruiserweight could be an elegant solution: avoid immediate complications at 175 lbs, potentially become a two-division world champion, and then return to light-heavyweight with even greater leverage and an enhanced legacy. It`s a calculated gamble that could pay dividends.
Badou Jack: The Veteran Target
Badou Jack presents an intriguing challenge. Despite his age, Jack is a multi-division titlist with an impressive resume, known for his durability and tactical prowess. He demonstrated his championship pedigree by stopping Ilunga Makabu for the WBC cruiserweight belt. However, father time remains undefeated, and at 41, Jack has become a perceived target for several ambitious fighters. Former world champions Chris Billam-Smith and Callum Smith have also expressed interest in a bout with the veteran, sensing an opportunity.
For Bivol, facing Jack would be a test of adaptation. Moving up in weight class, even if confident, always carries inherent risks. Jack, while older, possesses genuine power and the experience to exploit any perceived comfort Bivol might feel at the higher weight. Conversely, Bivol`s superior footwork, technical precision, and proven ability to neutralize power could make him a formidable foe at cruiserweight.
Legacy, Opportunity, and the Road Ahead
The potential clash between Dmitry Bivol and Badou Jack offers a compelling narrative. For Bivol, it`s an opportunity to solidify his status as an all-time great by conquering a second division, perhaps setting up even grander fights down the line – a rematch with Canelo Alvarez, or a return to light-heavyweight for an undisputed defense. For Jack, it`s a chance to prove that age is merely a number against one of the sport`s pound-for-pound elite.
While the boxing world awaits the resolution of the Beterbiev-Bivol saga and the Benavidez mandatory, Dmitry Bivol`s expressed interest in Badou Jack injects a fresh dose of intrigue into the sport. It`s a reminder that even at the pinnacle of their careers, champions are constantly seeking new horizons, new challenges, and new ways to etch their names into history. And sometimes, the most interesting path is the one less traveled, or in this case, a few pounds heavier.
