Dmitry Bivol will defend his World Boxing Association (WBA) Super Light Heavyweight Championship on Saturday against Umar Salamov, at the KRK “Uralets” venue in Yekaterinburg, Russia.

The 175 lbs. champion wants to close the year in style but must overcome a strong opponent with an excellent record who does not intend to waste the opportunity he has in front of him.

Bivol, 30, last fought in May, when he defeated Craig Richards in Manchester, England after two years of inactivity due to the pandemic.

He has been WBA champion since February 2017 and has defended his championship seven times in a demonstration of solidity and quality.

Salamov is 27 years old and has not lost a fight since July 2017. He has been regional champion of several organizations and after a seven-fight winning streak now has the opportunity to fight for the world championship.

This week there will be several promotional activities for the fight and on Friday will be the weigh-in, the last step before the fight. Bivol is undefeated in 18 fights and has knocked out 11 of his opponents, while Salamov has 26 wins, 1 loss and 19 knockouts.