Umar Salamov calls out Eleider Alvarez and Dmitry Bivol

Russian light heavyweight prospect Umar Salamov made his U.S. debut on June 22, knocking out Brian Howard in the ninth round of a Showtime-televised fight, and now the 24-year-old fighter is aiming high, calling out both WBO light heavyweight champion Eleider Alvarez and WBA “world” champion Dmitry Bivol.

“I saw their fights and I can confidently tell you that when I get my opportunity, I will dethrone both Bivol and Alvarez,” said Salamov. “I am the best light heavyweight in the world and look forward to proving it to the boxing fans by fighting the best!”

Alvarez (24-0, 12 KO) knocked out Sergey Kovalev in Saturday night’s HBO main event, while Bivol (14-0, 11 KO) was successful over 12 rounds against Isaac Chilemba on the same card.

Salamov (21-1, 16 KO) has won two straight since a close loss on the road in Australia against Damien Hooper in July 2017, and co-promoter Dmitriy Salita is confident his guy has the goods.

“After his US debut in June, I am very confident that it’s just a matter of time before he wins a World light Heavyweight title,” said Salita. “At only 24 years old, and with the amount of talent and experience he has, the sky is the limit for Umar in the light heavyweight division.”