Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol are reportedly on track for a high-stakes trilogy bout in Russia, marking a significant departure from the Saudi Arabian funding that stabilized their previous encounters. According to veteran reporter Sean Zittel, multiple sources close to the situation expect the third meeting to be staged and financed within Russia rather than through Turki Alalshikh. The proposed event would be overseen by President of the International Boxing Association (IBA) Umar Kremlev and the Russian Boxing Federation.
The news emerged following Dmitry Bivol’s successful defense of his WBA and IBF titles against Michael Eifert on Saturday. Reports indicate that the trilogy is likely the next step for both fighters. While Saudi Arabia has been the epicenter for light heavyweight undisputed fights over the last two years, this move signals a pivot toward the fighters’ home territory. No official announcement has been made, but Zittel noted that plans are actively moving in this direction.
This potential trilogy creates a roadblock for other high-profile contenders like David Benavidez. If Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol finalize a third fight, the light heavyweight title picture will likely remain frozen for the remainder of the year. While Andy Ruiz Jr. reportedly nears a comeback in the heavyweight ranks, the 175-pound division is bracing for a exclusive domestic conclusion to its biggest rivalry.
Russian Boxing Federation looks to fund trilogy
The involvement of Umar Kremlev and the Russian Boxing Federation indicates that the third fight would happen without Saudi funding. Previously, both fighters earned approximate purses of $10 million in each of their first two meetings in Riyadh. By moving the event, the IBA appears to be reclaiming the commercial rights to a rivalry that has defined the modern light heavyweight era. It’s an aggressive move that prioritizes regional hosting over the established Middle Eastern infrastructure.
Artur Beterbiev currently holds a split record with his rival. He won their first encounter on October 12, 2024, at the Kingdom Arena via a 12-round majority decision. The judges scored that initial undisputed four-belt showdown 116–112, 115–113, and 114–114. Before that fight, Artur Beterbiev carried a perfect 20–0 record with 20 knockouts, while Dmitry Bivol entered at 23–0 with 12 knockouts. The closeness of the scores immediately sparked calls for the ensuing rematches.
Dmitry Bivol exacted his revenge in the second fight, titled “The Last Crescendo,” on February 22, 2025. In that Riyadh-based rematch, Bivol won by a 12-round majority decision with scores of 114–114, 116–112, and 115–113. This result handed Artur Beterbiev the first loss of his professional career and allowed Bivol to secure the undisputed status. With each man holding a 12-round majority decision victory over the other, a third fight has become a narrative necessity.
David Benavidez evaluates cruiserweight options
The likelihood of a Russian-based trilogy has forced Team Benavidez to reconsider its immediate future. Jose Benavidez Sr. has reportedly petitioned the WBC to name David Benavidez the mandatory challenger for the cruiserweight title. Currently, that belt is held by Noel Mikaelian. This petition serves as a strategic pivot if the light heavyweight champions remain occupied with their own series until 2027. Just as Terence Crawford evaluates a Canelo Alvarez outlook for his future, Benavidez is mapping out multiple paths to championship gold.
Zittel reported that Bivol remains the primary target for David Benavidez. However, the path to a title shot at 175 pounds appears closed for now. Jose Benavidez Sr. indicated that if Bivol and Beterbiev are fighting each other, the only logical move is to advance to the WBC cruiserweight belt. This would represent a significant jump in weight for Benavidez, but it keeps him in the hunt for a title while the light heavyweight logjam persists.
The logistical shift to Russia remains the primary hurdle for this trilogy. Moving away from the “Riyadh Season” framework involves complicated broadcast considerations, particularly for Western audiences accustomed to DAZN and TNT Sports coverage. Though the atmosphere in their previous Saudi encounters was described as “electric,” a homecoming bout in Russia would offer a entirely different cultural backdrop for the deciding chapter of their rivalry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the third fight between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol expected to be held?
According to reporter Sean Zittel and sources familiar with the talks, the trilogy is likely headed to Russia. The event would reportedly be funded and staged by Umar Kremlev and the Russian Boxing Federation, moving the fight away from the Saudi Arabian funding model and the oversight of Turki Alalshikh.
What were the official results of the first two Beterbiev-Bivol fights?
Each fighter has one victory via a 12-round majority decision. Artur Beterbiev won the first fight in October 2024 with scores of 116–112, 115–113, and 114–114. Dmitry Bivol won the rematch in February 2025 with scores of 114–114, 116–112, and 115–113, handing Beterbiev his first professional defeat.
How does the potential trilogy affect the career of David Benavidez?
A third fight between Bivol and Beterbiev likely closes the light heavyweight title path for David Benavidez for the remainder of the year. As a result, his father, Jose Benavidez Sr., has reportedly petitioned the WBC to make David the mandatory challenger for Noel Mikaelian’s cruiserweight title as an alternative championship route.
