World Boxing Association (WBA) light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol is very eager to fight with his compatriot Artur Beterbiev.

On Saturday night in Philadelphia, Beterbiev upset the odds when he knocked out Ukrainian Oleksandr Gvozdik in a unification clash. In wining, Beterbiev defended the belt of the International Boxing Federation (IBF) and captured the title of World Boxing Council (WBC).

Beterbiev slowly broke down Gvozdyk and then finished him in tenth round. He dropped Gvozdyk three times before the contest was waved off by the referee.

Last weekend in Chicago, Bivol returned to the ring and dominated Lenin Castillo over twelve rounds.

After the fight was over, Bivol called for a unification with the Beterbiev vs. Gvozdyk winner.

The network issues can be worked out, as Bivol's co-promoter, Eddie Hearn of Matchroom, said that he would allow his boxer to fight Beterbiev on ESPN. Beterbiev is aligned to ESPN, as the network has an exclusive deal with the boxer's promoter, Top Rank.

Bivol was impressed by what he saw and wants to unify with the feared puncher.

“Beterbiev showed that he can work very well and that he is well prepared for this kind of event,” Bivol told tass. “Gvozdyk started well, and there were ideas to neutralize Beterbiev’s right hand. And in the middle of the fight, Beterbiev even seemed to be tired. However, several serious punches to the body created serious damage to Gvozdyk."

“Of course, there is a desire to fight [Beterbiev]. The fact that he now has two belts will intrigue me."

Beterbiev has won all 15 of his pro fights by knockout, without a single defeat on his record. Bivol has 17 wins (11 by knockout) and not a single defeat.

Luke Furman covers boxing for bokser.org