Beterbiev and Bivol trilogy options and light heavyweight updates
Dmitry Bivol vacated his WBC light heavyweight title to avoid a purse bid against David Benavidez, shifting focus toward a potential 2026 trilogy against Artur Beterbiev in Moscow. Bivol must now address an IBF mandatory defense against Michael Eifert on May 30.
Bivol avoids Benavidez purse bid
Dmitry Bivol vacated the WBC light heavyweight title to avoid a mandatory purse bid against David Benavidez. This decision follows rumors that Bivol would face the 30-0 Mexican-American fighter. The WBC upgraded Benavidez to full world champion after Bivol notified the organization of his decision to relinquish the belt. This maneuver allows Bivol to bypass the "Mexican Monster" and his 24 knockouts. Bivol, who holds a record of 24-1 and 12 knockouts, now targets a third fight with Artur Beterbiev to resolve the division. He must also address the IBF mandatory defense against Michael Eifert, 13-1, 5 KOs. The IBF has continuously threatened to strip Bivol of his title over the last six months. Bivol, who entered his last fight as ESPN’s No. 4 pound-for-pound boxer, previously suffered a badly damaged left eye during the October 2024 bout. Saul "Canelo" Alvarez expressed interest in facing Bivol only if he wins against Beterbiev, adding that he was only interested in Bivol if he won, not Beterbiev. Benavidez, the former super-middleweight champion, previously claimed the WBC interim title with a unanimous decision over Oleksandr Gvozdyk. Bivol’s decision to bypass the purse bid comes after he managed his recovery from back surgery in 2025.
Beterbiev prepares for Nicholson
Artur Beterbiev faces Deon Nicholson on November 22 during the Ring IV "Night of Champions" event. Nicholson, 22-1, 18 KOs, is 34 years old and fights out of Tuscaloosa, Alabama. This event also includes a headlining bout between David Benavidez and Anthony Yarde. Beterbiev, 40, holds a record of 21-1 and 20 knockouts. You probably already know that Beterbiev entered the ring with a 100% knockout percentage before Bivol broke that streak. The two Russians remain tied 1-1 after two technical clashes. Beterbiev won a majority decision in October 2024 to become undisputed, with scores of 115-113, 116-112, and 114-114. Bivol, 33, secured a majority decision in their February 2025 rematch by outworking Beterbiev from the outside with a superior jab and footwork. Beterbiev’s upcoming bout against Nicholson is a massive step up in competition for the Alabama fighter, whose only professional loss came via knockout by Efetobor Apochi in 2021. Bivol’s camp previously described the first fight’s decision as a "robbery" of Bivol’s masterclass. Beterbiev previously showed his power by stopping Callum Smith in the seventh round earlier this year.
Moscow trilogy plans
The International Boxing Association President Umar Kremlev intends to host the trilogy bout in Moscow before the close of 2026, provided both fighters complete one successful interim fight before they face each other a third time. Kremlev expects Beterbiev and Bivol to fulfill these requirements. Eddie Hearn expects the third fight to take place during October or November. Bivol is currently managing a small injury from his previous fight and previously underwent back surgery in August 2025. The rivalry remains unresolved after two technical clashes. Bivol must first defend his unified WBA, IBF, and WBO titles against Michael Eifert on May 30. Bivol seeks a third meeting to settle the supremacy at 175 pounds. If the IBF strips Bivol, Germany’s Michael Eifert or Australia-based Conor Wallace, 15-1, 11 KOs, could capitalize on the vacant title. Kremlev believes Moscow is a suitable and secure venue for an event of this scale. Can Beterbiev and Bivol reach a financial agreement for a Moscow date given the current global circumstances?
