There’s doubt among fans that Dmitry Bivol will return for the remainder of 2025 to face Artur Beterbiev in their three-belt trilogy match at light heavyweight.
Bivol-Beterbiev Trilogy Doubt
The decision by the two fighters to change the organizers of the fight from Saudi Arabia to Russia is believed to be the cause of the delay. Bivol-Beterbiev was supposed to fight in November 2025. With no confirmed date for the trilogy match as of July 23rd, it is a sign that the fight may not happen until 2026.
Bivol and Beterbiev reportedly were paid $10 million for each of their two fights. It’s unclear how much they’re expecting to receive from the organizers in Russia. PPV buys in their rematch from the U.S side were 45,000 and 340,000 worldwide. Those are not impressive numbers.
Fans want IBF, WBA, and WBO 175-lb champion Bivol (24-1, 12 KOs) and Beterbiev (21-1, 20 KOs) to get their rivalry over with once and for all. Many of them are tired of seeing those two fighters fight, and they want some new blood given a chance. David Benavidez has been waiting for his turn to challenge the titles currently held by Bivol.
Beterbiev’s Frustration
Artur, 40, recently voiced frustration on Instagram about Bivol’s delay in getting their trilogy match done, saying, “How old do I have to be so that we can fight for the third time?” He suspects that Bivol, 34, is dragging out their trilogy match to age him more so that he’ll have a better chance of winning.
Bivol lost their first fight last October, and likely would have been beaten in the second if Beterbiev wasn’t rushed into it shortly after knee surgery on a blown meniscus. Artur had wanted to fight Bivol five years ago, and felt that he was delaying it to age him.
When they finally fought last year, Beterbiev’s pressure proved too much for Bivol, who ran around the ring, showing little interest in standing and fighting. Bivol did better in the rematch against the less mobile Beterbiev, but appeared ready to fold in the 12th round when Artur applied nonstop pressure.