Dmitry Bivol says fighting Artur Beterbiev for all light-heavyweight championship belts will be 'a huge test'

Dmitry Bivol says he "loves" the challenge of coming up against Artur Beterbiev on June 1.

Beterbiev (20-0) and Bivol (22-0) will fight for the WBA, WBC, IBF and WBO championships to decide who is the undisputed light-heavyweight champion in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Bivol quickly rose to global prominence when he handed Canelo Alvarez just the second loss of his career in Las Vegas via unanimous decision in July 2022.

Since then Bivol, 33, has recorded wins over Gilberto Ramirez in Abu Dhabi and a convincing decision victory over Lyndon Arthur in Saudi Arabia as part of the 'Day of Reckoning' card on December 23.

Bivol says he is "excited" by the "test" of 39-year-old Beterbiev whose last two wins came via technical knockout against British duo Callum Smith and Anthony Yarde.

"I'm happy because when I signed a contract to be a pro boxer I had a goal to be undisputed champion," Bivol told reporters at the first fight press conference in London.

"Everything I went through was to make it to my goal. Even my fight against Canelo was my tickets for big fights. Now I'm happy that I will have a fight on June 1 for all of the belts.

"Every time when I'm on my training camp I think my opponent is the most dangerous opponent in the world.

"These thoughts help me to be in focus. To be serious in my training camp and of course he is one of the most dangerous opponents. Even if we see his record, his fights.

"He is powerful and it makes me more excited to fight this guy because I love challenges. I love to be tested and this fight is a huge test for me.

"I have good skills, I just believe in my skills. I've been in boxing for 28 years. I've been in boxing since I remember myself. I love the sport and I think it could help me my experience and my mentality and my camp. I just believe that I could be undisputed."

Beterbiev, who is the reigning IBF, WBC and WBO light-heavyweight champion, kept his answers brief in the press conference, but stated he "needs" to become undisputed light-heavyweight champion.

He said: "I'm happy to be here. Thank you everyone who made this fight.

"I see another belt. I'm collecting belts and I need one more.

"I'm not thinking [about Bivol], I will prepare for this fight and try to be ready 100%."

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