The World Boxing Association (WBA) light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol will have his next fight in early 2021 in Russia or the United States, according to statements made by the athlete's manager, Vadim Kornilov, to TASS.

"The fight is planned for early next year in the United States or Russia, but there is no specific information yet, because there are many obstacles and difficulties associated with the situation in the world," Kornilov said.

Bivol has been out of the ring since October of 2019, when he defeated Dominican contender Lenin Castillo by unanimous decision to raise his undefeated record to 17 victories (11 by knockout).

After his next fight, Bivol is hoping to secure a unification fight with his countryman, World Boxing Council (WBC) and International Boxing Federation (IBF) light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev.

“The fight against Beterbiev is of course interesting to us. We are considering it. But right now Beterbiev and Bivol are planning to have one fight each, and then a unification fight will be discussed,” Kornilov said.

Beterbiev is scheduled to fight against German contender Adam Deines on December 11 in Moscow.

The undefeated puncher has been away from the ring since last October, when he stopped Oleksandr Gvozdyk to unify the WBC, IBF titles. Beterbiev has an undefeated record of 15-0 - and every opponent has been stopped inside the distance.