Former light heavyweight champion Oleksandr Gvozdyk believes that he’s still right in the thick of things for another crack at a crown.

Gvozdyk (20-2, 16 KOs) returns Saturday for a stay busy eight-rounder against Anthony Hollaway (9-7-3, 7 KOs) on Golden Boy Promotions’ card at the Frontwave Arena in Oceanside, California.

The fight will be the first for Gvozdyk since his competitive unanimous decision defeat to David Benavidez in June.

The 2012 Ukrainian Olympic bronze medalist Gvozdyk, who turned 38 this week, is seeking bigger and better bouts from here on out as the 175-pound division heats up once again, much like it did for him in 2018 when he stopped Adonis Stevenson in 11 rounds and in 2019 when he suffered a 10th-round knockout against Artur Beterbiev in a fight in which he was leading on two of the cards.

“Light heavyweight is one of the most exciting divisions right now in boxing,” said Gvozdyk. “There was a time right after Roy Jones Jr. when there wasn’t a lot of super interest in the light heavyweight division. But then, during my early time, we had Sergey Kovalev, Adonis Stevenson, Jean Pascal, and Bernard Hopkins.”

The light heavyweight division now features The Ring, WBA, WBO, and IBF champion Dmitry Bivol, who’s headed toward a trilogy fight against Beterbiev. Bivol vacated the WBC title earlier this month because he’s committed to a third fight against Beterbiev; former WBC interim belt holder Benavidez is now the full champion.

The 175-pound class also features WBA interim title holder Callum Smith, who’s fresh off a spirited win against Joshua Buatsi in February, as well as contenders like Albert Ramirez, Anthony Yarde, and Lyndon Arthur.

But Gvozdyk says Bivol is the best of the bunch.

“He is so skilled with such a high boxing IQ,” said Gvozdyk. “I was supposed to fight him [in the amateurs’ at the 2013 World University Championships, but was injured and couldn’t fight. He is the best light heavyweight in the world. He is complete – speed, footwork, everything. In his first fight against Beterbiev, Bivol showed a little weakness going the distance. To be the best you have to beat the best and Bivol did in their second fight.”

Gvozdyk also assessed Beterbiev and Benavidez – the only guys he’s lost to.

“Beterbiev is a naturally strong guy who can hurt opponents, especially when he gets them on the ropes. Some of the faster guys can give him some trouble – he is 40 – but he neutralizes what his opponents do well,” said Gvozdyk.

“Benavidez has tremendous hand speed and puts on relentless pressure. I’m not saying he can beat Bivol; he could with his power, but I’d still pick Bivol.”

Gvozdyk, a promotional free agent, recently signed with 3 Point Management (3 PM) and has been training with coach Marco Contreras at the Brickhouse Boxing Club in North Hollywood, California.

He’s confident that a statement stoppage win against Hollaway will get him a “dream fight” against Smith.

“I’d really like to fight Smith for his title,” said Gvozdyk. “He’s good, experienced, and has a good jab. I believe I can beat him to become champion.”