Gvozdyk to defend his title on March 30

WBC world light heavyweight champion Oleksandr Gvozdyk can make the first defense of his title in March this year, his manager Egis Klimas has told Le Journal de Montreal.

The bout will take place on March 30 at a Top Rank event in Philadelphia. "This will be an optional defense. We do not yet know the name of his opponent," Klimas said.

Potential opponents are Colombian Eleider Alvarez and Russian Artur Beterbiev.

Earlier it was reported that the WBC had allowed the Ukrainian to make a voluntary defense of the title before the fight with unbeaten contender Marcus Browne.

Gvozdyk became the WBC world light heavyweight champion after knocking out Canadian Adonis Stevenson in the 11th round.