Boxing
DAZN News Daily Round-Up: Bivol-Smith set, Sanchez eyes winter shot
Moses vs Hrgovic: Watch on DAZN PPV - TOMORROW
DAZN News rounds up the biggest boxing stories on Friday, August 28.
Is world champion pressure on Moses Itauma?
Watch: Star provides the latest from his training camp
BUY NOW: Watch Moses vs. Hrgovic exclusively on DAZN PPV & Ultimate Tier
Bivol-Smith set for December
Dmitry Bivol has opted to take his mandatory WBO light-heavyweight defence against Callum Smith over a trilogy bout with Artur Beterbiev next.
Boxing Scene believes that a December date is incoming for the duo, after governing body president Gustavo Olivieri confirmed a deal was made.
Bivol had been widely tipped to vacate his WBO crown and defend his WBA and IBF titles against Beterbiev, his former undisputed opponent.
But instead, it will be WBO interim champion Smith who finally gets his shot, shutting down talk of his own rematch with Joshua Buatsi next too.
Lopez keen on Pacquiao-Stevenson
A clash between Shakur Stevenson and Manny Pacquiao would excite Teofimo Lopez Jr., who believes the veteran can still contend at the top level.
'Pac-Man' came close to WBC welterweight glory against former champion Mario Barrios, losing out by draw before the latter lost to Ryan Garcia.
But Lopez believes a clash between the veteran star and Stevenson - widely seen as one of the sport's key pound-for-pound fighters would be great.
“It’s a great technical fight," he told The Ariel Helwani Show. "Pacquiao still has enough in the tank to give him a tough fight, if they do meet in the ring.”
Sanchez expects winter title shot
Frank Sanchez is expected to face the winner of Moses Itauma and Filip Hrgovic's IBF championship bout this winter, per the star's manager Mike Barao.
The Cuban, originally the top-ranked contender for the vacant strap, was paid to step aside so that the Briton and Cuban could meet for the belt instead.
But Sanchez will tackle the victor next - and Barao anticipates they will not have to wait long, telling The Ring there is a deal for a December or January fight.
"Itauma and Hrgovic fighting for the title is good for everyone involved, especially Frank Sanchez," he said. "Frank looked sensational against [Richard] Torrez."
Moses vs. Hrgovic - exclusively on DAZN PPV
Watch Moses Itauma take the next step in his unstoppable career against Filip Hrgovic on Saturday, August 29, only on DAZN.
Buy as a one-off PPV or included along with Canelo vs. Mbilli (Oct) PPVs with a DAZN Ultimate Tier subscription.
