IBF light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev has dared his amateur rival, WBO world champion Sergey Kovalev, to fight him in a unification bout.

Beterbiev has two amateur victories over Kovalev, from when they collided in tournament back in Russia.

Kovalev has long claimed that he was robbed on the cards when they met in the unpaid ranks.

For years, they fought on rival networks and there were political issues that prevented them from facing each other.

But now both boxers are working closely with ESPN and Top Rank.

After his rematch win over Eleider Alvarez, Kovalev stated in a post-fight interview that he was ready to settle the score with Beterbiev.

Beterbiev wants the fight to happen sooner than later.

Of course, Kovalev still has a mandatory fight hanging over his head - with Anthony Yarde.

But Beterbiev believes their unification would trump the WBO order for a Yarde encounter.

"Hi, Sergey Kovalev. After your rematch against Eleider Alvarez you regained the WBO title and told the media you wanted a unification fight against me. I immediately agreed and instructed my promoter to contact your team and organize the fight," Beterbiev stated.

"And despite your numerous interviews about your desire to fight me you have not still accepted my invitation. So I am addressing this invitation to you again, but this time personally and publicly. Sergey, let’s put an end to our boxing relationship once and for all! No plausible reason could be given to prevent our fight from happening: a unification title bout is a top priority for any major boxing organization and Top Rank would only welcome such a fight.

" In Russia you were nicknamed ‘Noodles’ and in the US you named yourself 'Krusher.' So which of these nicknames suits you best? It depends on your answer. Our fans are waiting for it. I am waiting for it. The clock is ticking."