Beterbiev Blames Bivol for Blocking Third Fight. Beterbiev vs Bivol Trilogy Fight in Doubt
Former undisputed light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev (21-1-0, 20 KOs) has pointed to Dmitry Bivol as the main reason why their highly anticipated third fight isn’t happening.
Earlier this year in February, Beterbiev lost to Bivol in their rematch by majority decision, marking the first defeat of his professional career. Immediately after the fight, Beterbiev called for a trilogy fight to settle the score.
Dmitry Bivol’s Uncertain Future 🤷♂️
While Bivol (24-1-0, 12 KOs) initially suggested a third fight could happen by the end of this year or early 2026, rumors recently spread online that the Beterbiev vs Bivol trilogy fight would take place in Russia. However, these rumors were not confirmed by Beterbiev.
Beterbiev’s Strong Statement on Instagram 💥📱
On Instagram, Artur Beterbiev revealed:
“I had meniscus surgery on my knee. Despite my doctor and coach opposing it, I returned to fight the rematch in just four months. How old do I have to be to get the third fight?”
This post clearly shows Beterbiev’s frustration and his readiness to fight again.
Bivol’s Challenges and Titles at Risk 💣
Both Beterbiev and Bivol are respected elite fighters in the light heavyweight division. However, Bivol has recently faced personal family issues and was stripped of his WBC title for refusing to fight mandatory challenger David Benavidez.
Now, Bivol also risks losing his IBF belt as Michael Eifert (13-1-0, 5 KOs), the mandatory challenger, is waiting for an answer — an answer that may never come.
No Support from Turki Alalshikh 💸🚫
According to boxing insider Mike Coppinger, Turki Alalshikh has announced he will not support or promote the Bivol vs Beterbiev III fight.
The Dmitry Bivol-Artur Beterbiev trilogy fight for The Ring light heavyweight championship was on the Riyadh Season schedule for November, @ringmagazine has learned. However, fellow Russians Bivol and Beterbiev both asked Turki Alalshikh to hold the fight in Russia with different… pic.twitter.com/JO2H5SVUAT
— Mike Coppinger (@MikeCoppinger) July 4, 2025
Without Alalshikh’s financial backing, the two fighters might be looking for a new promoter, and staging the trilogy fight in Russia seems like the most realistic option. Still, it’s unlikely they’ll secure the same large purse that Alalshikh would have provided.
Are Fans Excited for the Trilogy? 🤔👀
Boxing fans are not overly enthusiastic about immediate rematches without fresh challenges in between. If both Beterbiev and Bivol had fought other top contenders before the trilogy, fans would have been more invested and excited.
Beterbiev Blames Bivol
The second fight only happened quickly because Turki Alalshikh wanted it. Now, without his support, the trilogy fight seems to be on hold indefinitely.
If these fighters were American or British, they might not face these obstacles and delays.
