Bivol controls the light-heavyweight trilogy timeline

Bivol dictates the direction

Dmitry Bivol controls the direction of the light-heavyweight rivalry following his majority decision victory over Artur Beterbiev in February 2025. This result tied the series at 1-1 after Beterbiev won a fight in October 2024. Bivol now must defend his IBF title against Michael Eifert in Cairo before he addresses the possibility of a trilogy. This Cairo bout serves as the co-main event for the Oleksandr Usyk vs. Rico Verhoeven card. Bivol’s camp plans to focus on the Beterbiev matchup only after he clears this mandatory hurdle. This plan follows Bivol’s victory over Lyndon Arthur in December. Bivol currently holds a 24-1 record with 12 knockouts. Beterbiev has a 21-1 record with 20 knockouts and remains interested in a third fight. Bivol’s career includes a 2022 victory over Canelo Alvarez. Bivol comes off his most recent fight in February 2025. The light-heavyweight division remains in flux as Bivol eyes a potential clash with David Benavidez or a rematch with Canelo Alvarez. Beterbiev previously held the WBO, WBC, and IBF titles at 175 pounds.

Physical limits and the age factor

Beterbiev’s physical condition makes a third fight difficult to schedule. He enters his 42nd year and has faced numerous training setbacks including knee surgery, rib issues, and shoulder problems. Beterbiev’s ruptured meniscus previously forced him to undergo surgery. Beterbiev, who maintains a 100% knockout ratio, struggled to cut off the ring during their last meeting. Beterbiev, who maintains a 100% knockout ratio, struggled to cut off the ring during their last meeting because his right knee limited his lateral movement, and Bivol won via majority decision with scores of 114-114, 116-112, and 115-113. Beterbiev remains a free agent since mid-2025, but his body dictates his training. You know that age changes how a power puncher operates. Beterbiev’s diminished mobility makes the task of chasing a mobile fighter like Bivol very difficult. Beterbiev, who lives in Quebec, last fought in January when he defeated Callum Smith. Beterbiev’s victory in 2023 came against Anthony Yarde. Bivol’s corner even used leg massages to help the fighter maintain mobility during the rematch. Beterbiev’s power remains, but his ability to pressure opponents has declined. Bivol’s high IQ defense helped him navigate the rematch as a disciplined chess match.

Riyadh scheduling and market reality

Turki Alalshikh, the chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, manages the Riyadh Season, a festival forming part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. Alalshikh denies rumors that Saudi Arabia is reducing its investment in boxing. The Riyadh Season organizers oversee many high-profile bouts, such as the February 22 card featuring Joseph Parker against Daniel Dubois, Zhilei Zhang against Agit Kabayel, Hamzah Sheeraz against Carlos Adames, and Shakur Stevenson against Josh Padley. Beterbiev’s physical decline makes him a less attractive option for pay-per-view cards than younger stars like Shakur Stevenson or Jaron Ennis. The February 22 rematch between the two fighters cost $25.99 for pay-per-view. That event drew 340,000 worldwide buys, which some observers considered low for the American market. Bivol’s team identified a potential fight with David Benavidez or a rematch with Canelo Alvarez as future goals. Will Beterbiev’s physical decline prevent the trilogy from ever happening?