BoxRec

I never thought I'd say this but I really don't want a third fight. Mainly because I want to see Beterbiev wreak havoc in the Light heavyweight division.

Bivol is a highly proficient boxer, but there's not enough spark on offer....whereas Beterbiev's seek & destroy tunnel vision is compulsive viewing.

Am I the only one who likes this? Two closely fought, highest level bouts with two (could’ve been even better without the first postponement) cracking undercards. Let’s have a third then close that book.

Bert retires, Bivol stays put is my guess. But the belts have begun to fracture and that will tempt all these other exciting fighters to step up and risk big contender fights.

Prediction wise? Bivol finally has him out paced and all figured out and sweeps the last 5 rounds easy.

I like it

But Biv wins again but clearer

Bivol is better. We get it. No need for a third fight.

Likely for November.

WBC won’t be on the line, so no longer undisputed.

They missed out on Turki money.

TURKI ALALSHIKH ALLOWS DMITRY BIVOL, ARTUR BETERBIEV TO GO FORWARD WITH 3RD FIGHT IN RUSSIA INSTEAD OF SAUDI ARABIA

The Dmitry Bivol-Artur Beterbiev trilogy fight for the Ring Magazine light heavyweight championship was on the Riyadh Season schedule for November, The Ring has learned.

However, fellow Russians Bivol and Beterbiev both asked Turki Alalshikh to hold the fight in Russia with different organizers, and he gave his blessing.

And now, it’s unclear when the third fight will happen.

Beterbiev (21-1, 20 KOs) won the first contest in October via majority decision to become the undisputed champion at 175 pounds. The decision was controversial and Alalshikh moved quickly to deliver the rematch.

Bivol (24-1, 12 KOs) won that return bout in February to exact revenge via majority decision in a far more entertaining fight than the first meeting.

Alalshikh said afterward he would finalize the trilogy later this year; both fights took place in Riyadh. And now those plans have changed as Bivol and Beterbiev seek to hold the fight in Russia after an organizer promised them lucrative paydays, sources said.

Bivol was stripped of his WBC title earlier this year. David Benavidez was elevated to WBC champion, and he’ll defend that title vs. Anthony Yarde in November in Riyadh, the same card that had planned to hold Bivol-Beterbiev 3.

Bivol, 34, is The Ring’s No. 4 pound-for-pound boxer. Beterbiev, 40, is No. 5.

FRUSTRATED ARTUR BETERBIEV ASKS DMITRY BIVOL HOW OLD HE'LL NEED TO BE BEFORE FINALISING TRILOGY DATE

The trilogy fight between Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev was scheduled for a Riyadh Season event in November, but both Russian light heavyweights preferred to stage the fight in their home country with different organizers, it was revealed on Friday.

Turki Alalshikh approved the move after financing the first two fights, a majority decision win by Beterbiev on October 12 and a unanimous decision victory by Bivol on February 22. Now there is uncertainty as to when the rubber match will be scheduled.

The development is a frustrating one for Beterbiev, who will turn 41 in January.

“I received hundreds of questions about the third fight, that’s why I decided to answer here,” Beterbiev wrote in an Instagram post Saturday. “As you know, the first fight for the absolute champion title took place in October last year. After five years of attempts to unify the belts, it was still successful. The day after the first fight, we agreed on a rematch, which was to take place within four months, despite the fact that I was after the operation, and my coach and doctor were categorically against such an early rematch.

"After the second fight, I immediately showed interest in an early third fight, and at first there were rumors about the fight in August, but my opponent said in an interview that he wanted to hold it in late autumn, then – at the end of the year, and now – it is completely unknown when. … How old do I have to be so that we can fight for the third time?”

Earlier this week, the IBF ordered Bivol to face mandatory challenger and No. 1-ranked light heavyweight contender Michael Eifert.

Recent history shows Bivol (24-1, 12 KOs), The Ring, WBA, WBO, and IBF champion, won’t be tied to the IBF belt as bigger business beckons against Beterbiev (21-1, 20 KOs). The WBC ordered Bivol to face David Benavidez after the second Beterbiev fight, but Bivol dropped that belt in April and Benavidez was elevated from interim champion to full titleholder.

The 34-year-old Bivol is The Ring’s No. 4-ranked pound-for-pound boxer. Beterbiev is rated No. 5.

Artur Beterbiev says Dmitry Bivol avoided third fight: ‘I waited long enough’

Artur Beterbiev is putting the blame on Dmitry Bivol for there being no trilogy.

For those of you wondering why Artur Beterbiev is fighting Deon Nicholson on November 22 instead of the planned third bout with Dmitry Bivol, we are getting Beterbiev’s side of the story now.

“Our next fight was supposed to take place in Russia. You know what we’re talking about now. The third fight with Dmitry Bivol,” Beterbiev wrote on social media.

“We were offered great conditions, which were almost impossible to refuse. For my part, I did everything to make the third fight happen, but my opponent chose the path of retreat again. I’ve waited long enough and I don’t intend to wait any longer. Sitting around doing nothing while someone else is resting is too much.

“See you on November 22 in Riyadh. I’m continuing my journey, no matter what.”

Beterbiev (21-1, 20 KO) split two fights with Bivol, winning a majority decision in October of last year before losing by the same result this past February, in a pair of exciting, high-level encounters that pretty much lived up to the hype after years of fans wanting to see the two fight.

Now 40, Beterbiev’s matchup with Nicholson (22-1, 18 KO) looks OK at a glance, but the 34-year-old from Alabama has never fought anywhere near the true world level, and Beterbiev is still a true world-level fighter.

Beterbiev vs Nicholson will take place on the undercard headlined by David Benavidez vs Anthony Yarde, and Beterbiev may now have his sights set on Benavidez and the WBC light heavyweight title for 2026, should both win as expected.

Bivol ordered by WBO to submit certification of injury

BETERBIEV SAYS BIVOL REJECTED TRILOGY OFFER, OPEN TO FIGHTING BENAVIDEZ

Former undisputed light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev offered updates on Thursday surrounding the trilogy bout he’s been seeking against Dmitry Bivol.

Beterbiev said Bivol rejected a significant offer to stage their third fight in Russia, but did not clarify exactly when the offer was declined. Beterbiev added that he was not aware of the amount of the offer, but said "it's not less than our first two fights" which were staged by Riyadh Season.

“I am now more focused on the trilogy,” Beterbiev told reporters while in attendance at the IBA Men’s World Boxing Championships in Dubai. “Our fight will be most interesting in Moscow.”

Beterbiev (21-1, 20 KOs) beat Bivol in October 2024 by majority decision, and Bivol (24-1, 12 KOs) won the February rematch by unanimous decision.

Beterbiev, who turns 41 in January, has been stuck on the sidelines while waiting for Bivol to make the next move. In July, Beterbiev bashed him for prolonging negotiations, stating that his rival was intentionally aging him.

By August, Bivol announced he had back surgery and would be unavailable to fight until the first quarter of 2026. Prior to tending to his ailments, Bivol appeared gung-ho to fight Beterbiev. He vacated his WBC title in April and opted not to face mandatory challenger David Benavidez as unfinished business with Beterbiev lingered.

Beterbiev was supposed to take a stay-busy fight in November against Deon Nicholson on the Ring IV: Night of Champions card in Saudi Arabia headlined by Benavidez’s knock out of Anthony Yarde. The matchup, however, was scrapped several weeks in advance.

Benavidez carries the WBC light heavyweight title Beterbiev once owned, and he’ll begin to campaign as a cruiserweight when he takes on WBA and WBO champion Gilberto Ramirez on May 2. Benavidez has stated that he’ll be ready to return to 175 pounds for the right fights against Beterbiev and Bivol.

“I watched some highlights. [Benavidez] did a good job [stopping Yarde in seven rounds],” said Beterbiev. “Of course I want to fight with Benavidez. It's very important for me to win my titles back. [Cruiserweight is also] interesting.”

The expanded Killer B’s fight triangle, with Benavidez joining his Russian counterparts, features three of The Ring’s top pound-for-pound fighters in the sport.

Bivol is ranked No. 5 in the Ring's pound-for-pound list, followed by Beterbiev at No. 6 and Benavidez ninth.

like Usyk-Fury III, I don't want to see this fight either. I'd love to see Beterbiev fight Benavidez or moving up to cruiser to fight Opetaia.

Yeah there's really no need to keep running back fights that aren't particularly exciting. Close or not. If it's mostly just a strategic chess match, it's pretty hard to sell that twice even. Let alone 3 times.

Beterbiev on Bivol turning down a substantial offer for a third fight in Russia
“Yes. It’s true…I think (if the fight ever happens), most interesting, is going to be in Moscow, in Russia. In Russia, I think is most interesting, this fight.”

On what he made of Benavidez’s performance against Yarde
“I watched some highlights. He did good job…Of course I want to fight with (Benavidez).”

On the importance of getting his titles back
“Just one word, it’s very important.”

On how much the offer Bivol rejected was
“I don’t know but it’s not less than our couple of fights, you know.”

On who his favorite fighters were growing up
“Mike Tyson and Muhammad Ali.”

Dmitry Bivol-Artur Beterbiev III: The IBA plan to 'move forward' with bout by 'end of the year'

Presuming light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol successfully negotiates his May 30 defense against Michael Eifert, which was ordered by the IBF, then the IBA plan to move ahead with negotiations for a third bout against Artur Beterbiev.

Bivol and Beterbiev have history. Beterbiev won their first bout via majority decision following a terrific bout in October 2024. Bivol, however, would gain both revenge and ownership of all four light heavyweight sanctioning body belts in their February 2025 rematch.

A third bout was thought to be on the way. Turki Alalshikh, who financed the first two contests, declared it would happen but a back injury to Bivol, on which he had surgery last year, seemingly put negotiations on hold. Though numerous 'secondary' beltholders have since been awarded titles, Bivol still holds the WBA, WBO and IBF titles. David Benavidez now wears the WBC strap.

Now the IBA’s president, Umar Kremlev, has made his intentions regarding a rubber match, which he hopes to stage in Moscow, clear.

“IBA stands ready to organise a trilogy fight between Bivol and Beterbiev,” Kremlev states as per a press release. “These are two of the finest boxers in the world, and their rivalry represents a truly global sporting historical event.

“However, both fighters are expected to complete one interim bout before facing each other again. Thereafter, by the end of the year, it should be possible to move forward with firm planning and organisation of the third fight.

“Our priority is to stage this trilogy in Russia. In my view, hosting such a bout is entirely feasible at present. Given the current global circumstances, Moscow represents a suitable and secure venue for an event of this scale, with all the necessary infrastructure in place to deliver it at the very highest level.”

The fight with Eifert is set for Yekateringburg in Russia.

Beterbiev Prefers Rubber Match With Bivol Over Benavidez

Artur Beterbiev’s preference is clear between Dmitry Bivol and David Benavidez for his next fight.

Beterbiev has unfinished business with Bivol after they split their first two fights. On the latest episode of “Inside The Ring,” which premiered Monday on DAZN, Beterbiev said he prefers settling the score next against the unified light heavyweight champion rather than facing Benavidez next.

“I really want the rubber match,” Beterbiev said. “I think everyone wants [the] rubber match, and I feel good. If you want to check if I’m good or not, make this fight happen and I will show you.“

Beterbiev (21-1, 20 KOs) and Bivol (25-1, 12 KOs) alternated majority decisions to become the undisputed light heavyweight champion between their two fights. Beterbiev, 41, won the first bout in October 2024, while Bivol, 35, emerged victorious in the rematch in February 2025.

“I believe I won the second fight better than the first one,” Beterbiev said. “For sure, the third fight is going to happen [and] I’ll do better than both of them.”

Beterbiev, of Khasavyurt, Russia, hasn’t fought since the rematch. Bivol, who holds The Ring, IBF, WBA and WBO titles, has fought once, beating mandatory challenger Michael Eifert by dominant unanimous decision May 30 in Ekaterinburg, Russia.

Bivol, who has long resided in Russia, is ranked No. 6 on The Ring’s pound-for-pound list.

Beterbiev, who was on The Ring’s pound-for-pound list before being removed due to inactivity, hopes the third bout against Bivol will happen soon.

“I’m expecting the third fight to happen in minimum five or six months,” Beterbiev said, “but he doesn’t want to fight.”

Benavidez, who is The Ring’s No. 5-ranked fighter pound-for-pound and The Ring’s No. 1 contender in the light heavyweight and cruiserweight divisions, became the WBC light heavyweight champion after Bivol vacated the title in April 2025.

The 29-year-old Phoenix, Arizona, native defended the title once, stopping Anthony Yarde in the seventh round November 22 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. He then won the WBA and WBO cruiserweight titles thanks to a sixth-round stoppage of Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez on May 2 in Las Vegas.

Beterbiev said he was supposed to face Demond Nicholson on the same card that Benavidez (32-0, 26 KOs) defeated Yarde (27-4, 24 KOs), but that fight fell through. Benavidez and Beterbiev fighting and winning on the same card likely would have set the stage for them to fight next.

Beterbiev added he’d still like to face Benavidez, but his sights are firmly on Bivol first.

“I respect what Benavidez did already in boxing,” Beterbiev said. “He became a three-category world champion, and I’m not avoiding this kind of fights with Benavidez or someone else. First, I’m more focused to do rubber match [versus Bivol].”

bert lost both fights. move on, go for the money and fight Benevidez! fun fight

It’s legitimately one a piece but it was Bivol who made the adjustment last time and looked pretty comfortable doing it.

Would be hard to make a case for Bert achieving something similar in a third fight.

golden_labrador wrote: ↑23 Jun 2026, 12:28 bert lost both fights. move on, go for the money and fight Benevidez! fun fight

He did not. Bivol lost first fight, made adjustments and won second fight. It was almost identical fights, for the 10 rounds. In first fight, beterbiev stepped on the gas in last two and that won him the fight. Bivol handled that in rematch and did not let Beterbiev bully him in last two rounds and that won him the rematch. Both close fights, and right man won in both fights. Rare to see in boxing. I would prefer Bivol - Benavidez or Beterbiev - Benavidez too, but i am perfectly ok with trilogy too. Sadly, Beterbiev is 41 years old and did not had fight in year and half.

IBA says despite offering Bivol double, he declined Beterbiev trilogy

Although it’s already happened twice, a third fight would be just as nice between Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev.

Bivol and Beterbiev fought to a pair of hotly contested majority decisions in October 2024 and February 2025. Beterbiev won the first to become the undisputed light heavyweight champion, and Bivol won the rematch to take back the title as they headlined events in Saudi Arabia financed by Turki Alalshikh.

But over the last 17 months, a sequence of events on Bivol’s side has frozen Beterbiev out of a third fight.

After the sequel concluded, the International Boxing Association stepped in as a highly interested player to secure a trilogy. The IBA has made several lucrative offers throughout different stages, including in recent weeks, with no success, however.

"I'm very disappointed," IBA president Umar Kremlev told The Ring. "Everyone is waiting for this fight. I don't know why Bivol and his team are not accepting the offer, but I will do my best to make this fight happen. We've been having discussions with both teams for quite a while. I can confirm that Beterbiev and his team are ready for the fight.

"The offer we made to Bivol for the third fight was considerably bigger than the first two fights. Specifically, Bivol was given two times a bigger offer than in previous fights. Beterbiev will fight for free just to make this fight happen."

After Bivol (25-1, 12 KOs) beat Beterbiev (21-1, 20 KOs), he vacated his WBC title in April 2025 instead of moving forward with mandatory challenger David Benavidez. In July of last year, Beterbiev blasted Bivol for his lack of urgency and later revealed his rival outright rejected the fight.

Bivol, meanwhile, underwent back surgery in August and returned in May to face IBF mandatory Michael Eifert in what essentially amounted to a tune-up fight and won by unanimous decision.

Earlier this week, Bivol, The Ring, IBF, WBA, and WBO champion, was ordered by the latter to face mandatory challenger and interim champion Callum Smith. Both sides have until July 26 to agree to a deal.

Kremlev believes Bivol, 35, will be moving forward with a fight against Smith and Beterbiev, 41, will be taking another fight in the meantime. But Kremlev still plans on pressing the issue and revisiting conversations whenever both sides are ready.

"To be honest, we've made really good offers in writing," Kremlev said. "But unfortunately, Bivol's team is still waiting for something. Bivol appears ready for the fight, but his team is thinking.

"As far as I can see, it looks like they are looking for other opportunities and options in the market. I believe firmly that we need to find common ground and we need to make this fight happen. The world is waiting. Beterbiev gave Bivol a rematch and Bivol should do the same. It's the only appropriate gesture.

"I can assure everyone that we are ready to organize the third fight at the highest level. We can stage the fight for 100,000 fans if it happens in Russia but are also open to bringing it wherever it needs to be. The most important thing is that the fight needs to happen. I'm confident it's going to be another great fight."