‘Let’s Do It’: Artur Beterbiev Calls Out Dmitry Bivol, Not Anthony Yarde

Artur Beterbiev knows who he wants next – even if his promoter doesn’t agree with it.

Beterbiev dominated Joe Smith Jr in their three-belt unification at Madison Square Garden’s Hulu Theater on Saturday night. After the second-round TKO, Beterbiev named his next opponent.

“Okay, let’s do it,” Beterbiev replied to Fight Hub TV when asked if he wants to fight Dmitry Bivol next.

“I don’t know but we need this fight, I think so,” Beterbiev added when asked how the Bivol fight will happen.

Beterbiev knocked down Smith three times to capture Smith’s WBO light heavyweight title – adding to his IBF and WBC belts. Smith was about to go down a fourth time during the second round, but the referee stopped the fight.

Now, all that’s left is Bivol’s WBA light heavyweight strap.

Bivol last fought on May 7 when he overcame former pound-for-pound champion Canelo Alvarez by unanimous decision. Alvarez moved up two weight classes to attempt to capture Bivol’s title.

After the upset win, Bivol made it clear that he wants to take on the winner of Beterbiev and Smith, but his promoter Bob Arum – who is also Beterbiev’s promoter – said he wants to see Bivol take on Gilberto Ramirez instead.

As For Beterbiev, promoter Frank Warren Anthony Yarde has already been booked to face the winner on October 22.

“I think he showed what he is.” Yarde told SecondsOut.

“And he’s very strong, a good power puncher, good timing and good punch selection.

“I think it’s going to be a very exciting fight; I’m looking forward to it a lot because it’s another big opportunity and this is what I’m in the sport for.”

It’s unclear exactly who Beterbiev and Bivol will face next.