Artur Beterbiev has publicly declared his desire for a rubber match against Dmitry Bivol, prioritizing a third encounter with his rival over a potential high-stakes clash with David Benavidez.
Speaking on DAZN’s “Inside The Ring” on Monday, June 22, 2026, the 41-year-old former undisputed light heavyweight champion made it clear that resolving his history with Dmitry Bivol is his primary focus for his next appearance in the ring.
Artur Beterbiev prioritizes Dmitry Bivol trilogy over David Benavidez
The veteran powerhouse, who famously unified the division, remains fixated on Dmitry Bivol despite the rising demand for a showdown with David Benavidez.
While Artur Beterbiev expressed respect for the achievements of the 29-year-old three-division champion, he insisted that the boxing world is more interested in seeing a definitive conclusion to his series with Dmitry Bivol. This stance could force other contenders at 175 pounds to wait several more months for their own title opportunities.
Artur Beterbiev is adamant that a third fight is the only logical next step following their previous competitive meetings. “I really want the rubber match,” Artur Beterbiev stated during his DAZN appearance, adding that he feels physically capable of delivering a superior performance.
He dismissed any concerns regarding his age, challenging promoters to make the fight happen so he can prove he is still at his peak.
The focus on Dmitry Bivol comes at a time when David Benavidez has been making waves in the division. Interestingly, David Benavidez rejects Jai Opetaia bout opportunities and other cross-divisional challenges to focus on the elite names at light heavyweight. However, Artur Beterbiev remains unmoved by the “Mexican Monster’s” recent rise, stating that while he isn’t avoiding David Benavidez, the rubber match must come first.
Artur Beterbiev claimed during the interview that Dmitry Bivol appears reluctant to sign on for the third fight. He noted that he expects the bout to take place in a minimum of five or six months, provided the 35-year-old unified champion agrees to terms.
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Artur Beterbiev’s confidence stems from his belief that his understanding of Dmitry Bivol’s style improved significantly between their first and second shared ring experiences.
Settling the score after Riyadh Season success
The foundation of this demand for a third fight lies in the razor-thin results of their first confirmed encounter. On October 12, 2024, at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Artur Beterbiev secured a majority decision victory with scores of 114–114, 115–113, and 116–112.
That victory crowned him as the undisputed champion, but the competitive nature of the bout left many fans calling for more.
The Compubox statistics from that night in Riyadh highlighted the technical parity between the two. Dmitry Bivol actually landed more total punches, hitting the mark 142 times out of 423 attempts. However, Artur Beterbiev’s aggression earned him the nod from two of the judges, as he landed 90 power shots compared to Dmitry Bivol’s 64.
Both men demonstrated exceptional body work, landing precisely 31 body shots each during the twelve-round contest.
Artur Beterbiev now believes he has the momentum. “I believe I won the second fight better than the first one,” he remarked, referencing his technical growth across their encounters. He promised that in a third fight, he would perform even better than in the previous two, suggesting he has finally decoded the movement-based puzzle that Dmitry Bivol presents.
Impact on the light heavyweight title landscape
By pushing for the rubber match, Artur Beterbiev effectively puts the rest of the 175-pound division on hold. Contenders like David Benavidez, who has become a three-category champion, find themselves in a difficult position.
If Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol do not meet until late 2026 or early 2027, the mandatory challengers may look for alternative paths, much like how Shakur Stevenson dismisses immediate Devin Haney fight talk to evaluate his own divisional future.
The promotional weight of Riyadh Season continues to be the primary engine for these high-profile undisputed clashes. Given the historical significance of the light heavyweight unification, there is little doubt that the financial backing for a trilogy exists. The hurdle remains the reported reluctance of the Bivol camp, at least according to Artur Beterbiev’s public comments.
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For David Benavidez, the wait might be frustrating, but it provides extra time to acclimate to the higher weight class. His recent decision to target the top of the light heavyweight tree rather than cruiserweight titles shows his commitment to this path. However, he remains at the mercy of the two veterans currently negotiating the division’s biggest storyline.
Age and the ticking clock for Beterbiev
At 41, Artur Beterbiev is fighting against time as much as he is against his opponents. While he insists he “feels good” and is ready to compete, the physical toll of championship-level boxing for a man in his fifth decade is significant. Every delay in making the third fight could potentially shift the advantage toward the younger Dmitry Bivol or the peak-age David Benavidez.
The light heavyweight champion’s insistence on technical validation is a rare sight in an era of “money fights.” He is choosing the hardest possible tactical challenge over what might be a more lucrative or fresh matchup against David Benavidez. It mirrors the sport’s prestigious history where rivals like Larry Holmes or Roberto Duran felt compelled to prove their dominance repeatedly.
As the negotiations continue, the boxing world remains centered on this potential trilogy. Whether the bout materializes in the next six months or faces further delays, Artur Beterbiev has made his message clear: the business with Dmitry Bivol is personal and unfinished. Until the rubber match is settled, everyone else in the division, including the formidable David Benavidez, will have to remain in the wings.
