President of the World Boxing Council (WBC), Mauricio Sulaiman, answers the question about arranging the fight between IBF, WBC and WBO light heavyweight world champion Artur Beterbiev and WBA champion Dmitry Bivol.
We have a consensus with the WBO, we respect the fact that they have the right for the next defense. Callum Smith will fight the winner of the Artur Beterbiev vs. Anthony Yarde fight. Smith is the mandatory challenger. We will only allow negotiations between Bivol and Beterbiev if Smith agrees to it.
Mauricio Sulaiman, an interview with YouTube channel "iD Boxing"
Beterbiev, 37, had his last fight this July, beating Joe Smith Jr. by TKO in the second round. Beterbiev has 18 wins (18 by TKO) without a single loss.
The 31-year old Bivol made his last appearance on the night of November 6, defeating Gilberto Ramirez by unanimous decision. Bivol has 21 wins (11 KOs) and no losses under his belt.