Light heavyweight titlist Dmitry Bivol has been scheduled to defend his crown on Oct. 12 for some time but on Thursday he finally got an opponent.
Bivol will make his sixth title defense against Lenin Castillo in the co-feature of former undisputed cruiserweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk’s heavyweight debut against Tyrone Spong, promoter Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing announced. The card (DAZN) will take place at the Wintrust Arena in Chicago.
“I am happy that the fight is done and the opponent is confirmed for Oct. 12,” Bivol said. “Castillo is a good opponent. He fought (former titlist) Marcus Brown before; it was a good fight. I can’t wait and hope that we can make a very exciting performance for the fans.”
Bivol, 28, of Russia, who is coming off a one-sided unanimous decision over contender Joe Smith Jr. in March, had a multi-fight offer from Premier Boxing Champions, but he and his team elected to continue working with Hearn and DAZN. But securing an opponent was not easy.
“Castillo is a tough opponent and it’s another opportunity for Dmitry to build his reputation as one of the most avoided boxers in the division,” said Vadim Kornilov, Bivol’s manager.
Castillo (20-2-1, 15 KOs), 31, of the Dominican Republic, has won two fights in a row since a 10-round decision loss to Browne, whom he knocked down, in August 2018.
“It’s a dream come true. I consider Dmitry Bivol in the top 20 on the pound-for-pound list, but I know that a have the tools to upset him,” Castillo said. “I been training very hard. On Oct. 12 you will see the best version of Lenin Castillo. I will take the title to the Dominican Republic!”