By Vadim Pushkin

According to Vadmin Kornilov, manager of WBA interim-light heavyweight titlist Dmitry Bivol (10-0, 8 KOs), they are going to speak with the World Boxing Association next week to discuss the mandatory fight with WBA "regular" champion Nathan Cleverly (30-3, 16 KOs).

This past Friday night, Bivol knocked down Samuel Clarkson three times en route to a fourth-round TKO in the main event of a Showtime televised card from MGM National Harbor in Maryland.

The WBA's "super" champion is Andre Ward, who defends that belt against Sergey Kovalev in a rematch on June 17th in Las Vegas.

Cleverly has yet to schedule his next fight, although there have been rumors of several opponents who are promoted by Sauerland Event.

The Welsh boxer has been out of the ring since last October, when he captured the title from Juergen Braehmer. There was a rematch clause in that fight, but Braehmer has yet to exercise that option. There could very well be a clause, where if Cleverly is not going to have a rematch with Braehmer - then he must face another Sauerland promoted fighter in his first title defense.

Kornilov and his fighter want to secure the fight with Cleverly as soon as possible.

"Dmitry was excellent. The television channel Showtime has expressed further interest in showcasing him. I hope Dmitry will develop his career on TV, because now he's had his debut on American television, and he surprised everyone. I was told by representatives of the media, a new star was born in the United States. This fight that Dmitry won was of great interest to everyone," said Kornilov to Basil Konov.

"The next step is the completion of the situation with the WBA title. Next week, we will be talking to the WBA and we'll negotiate the terms of the fight for the regular title."