Dmitry Bivol has labelled the World Boxing Council’s ban on Russian boxers ‘unfair’, as he looks ahead to his next fight. The Kyrgyzstani-born Russian holds the WBA light-heavyweight title and has been linked with a bout against Artur Beterbiev, who holds the WBC, WBO and IBF belts. Russian-born Beterbiev represented his country of birth until last year, when he opted to represent Canada – where he has lived for 16 years – amid sporting sanctions relating to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Among those sanctions was a decision by the World Boxing Council (WBC) not to recognise Russian and Belarusian fighters, including champions. That decision also precludes Bivol, 32, from fighting Beterbiev, 38, in a unification bout at light-heavyweight, despite strong demand from fans. “Of course it’s not fair,” Bivol told Seconds Out on Monday (12 June). “How could [someone] say, ‘I am the champion of the world,’ if somebody from some country couldn’t fight for your belt? But this guy could be better than you. “It’s not fair. And this guy is just training, spending his time in the gym, and he’s not allowed to fight. He’s the same [as] you, he’s just living in a different apartment in a different place, but he’s working the same [as] you. “He’s training, he’s fighting, his mentality is similar, but why is he not allowed to fight? It’s not fair.” Bivol last fought in November, comprehensively outpointing Gilberto Ramirez to retain the WBA light-heavyweight title, which he also retained in his previous fight, against Saul “Canelo” Alvarez in May 2022. Meanwhile, Beterbiev most recently fought in January, stopping Anthony Yarde in the eighth round. He is next due to box in August, defending his titles against another Briton, Callum Smith. Click here to subscribe to The Independent’s Sport YouTube channel for all the latest sports videos. Read More Teofimo Lopez and his father share emotional exchange during Josh Taylor fight Josh Taylor says move up to welterweight is ‘imminent’ after first career defeat Jake Paul agrees to 10 rounds in Nate Diaz fight

Team USA went without a medal for the second FIBA World Cup in a row this summer. LeBron James has reportedly already called in The Avengers for the 2024 Olympics in Paris to avenge America's failure.

Breaking down the top start 'em, sit 'em options for Week 11 of the fantasy football season.

LISTEN: Mat Ishbia and Bill Simmons discussed the Suns future and CP3 and DeAndre Ayton were not mentioned.

Midfielder Malik Tillman will miss the United States’ exhibitions against Germany and Ghana because of an unspecified injury

Find out which college football teams should be taking a long, hard look at Tyler Van Dyke in the transfer portal.

If you’re a sports bettor in Iowa and you haven't joined Bet365 Sportsbook by now, what are you WAITING for?!Bet365 Sportsbook just launched in your state and they’re celebrating with a new-user promotion that puts all others to shame.You’ll be winning $365 in bon...

All the latest transfer rumours - including Mohamed Salah, Kevin De Bruyne & Kylian Mbappe.

The Miami Dolphins and New York Jets play in the first NFL game on Black Friday

English journeyman Harry Hall fired an eight-under-par 62 to grab the early clubhouse lead at the PGA Tour's Charles Schwab...

If anyone is looking for the seven-time Super Bowl champion quarterback to return to the field in 2023, Tom Brady put that idea to rest.The conspiracy theorists were in their glory. Recently, it was reported that Las Vegas Raiders’ quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, who signed with the team this...

A pro's pro.