By Miguel Rivera

Former 168-pounder world champion Lucian Bute is once again moving up to 175 pounds in search of a new world championship. He hopes to land a showdown against countryman Adonis Stevenson - but first Bute must overcome undefeated Eleider Álvarez on the 24th of February in Quebec City.

Bute failed in his two most recent efforts, at 168 pounds, when he collided with champions Badou Jack and James DeGale, who are scheduled to unify their world titles on January 14th at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. He lost a spirited twelve round decision to DeGale in the fall of 2015, and then last April he went to a controversial twelve round draw with Jack.

"Alvarez is a great challenge, we are going to fight in a final eliminator for the right to face Stevenson for the WBC championship. It is an honor and a privilege to fight Alvarez and if I defeat him I will surely go for the championship with Stevenson... it is my dream, my goal," Bute said to ESPN Deportes.

But has now formed a goal for 2017, to become a two division world champion for Canada and Romania.

"I was already a champion at 168 pounds, but now it's time to go up to 175 pounds and I think he could compete very well. I feel good, I'm in camp and in great shape," said Bute.

As far as the fight between Jack and DeGale, he gives DeGale the edge to win the contest, but would not be surprised if it ends in a draw.

"It's a very interesting fight between Jack and DeGale. I gave both of them a good fight, but DeGale has a bigger chance of winning this fight. I would not be surprised if the fight ends in a draw. DeGale has more ability, he is left-handed, he has more speed, I think he has more talent, experience. Jack is tough, he has power, but he is not as skillful as DeGale," said Bute, who has a record of 32-3-1 and 25 KO's.