Promoter Eddie Hearn has confirmed that Dmitry Bivol remains intent on pursuing a trilogy fight against Artur Beterbiev despite a wealth of other options in the light heavyweight division. Following his successful return to the ring in Yekaterinburg last month, the WBA, WBO, IBF, and The Ring champion is considering a third meeting with his longtime rival to resolve their current 1-1 head-to-head standing.
Eddie Hearn, the head of Matchroom Boxing, revealed that Bivol is currently weighing the commercial appeal of the Beterbiev trilogy against mandatory obligations. While many fans are looking toward fresh domestic matchups, the interest in a Beterbiev fight within Russia remains a significant factor for the champion.
Bivol and his team previously gave their word to His Excellency Turki Alalshikh that they would pursue a third fight as part of the deal for their last encounter.
Dmitry Bivol returned to action on May 30, 2026, securing a unanimous points victory over German challenger Michael Eifert. The win marked his first appearance since February 2025, following a lengthy layoff caused by a herniated disc. The 35-year-old champion underwent successful surgery to repair the spinal injury in August 2025 and has now completed his IBF mandatory requirement.
Dmitry Bivol considers Artur Beterbiev trilogy amid mandatory pressure
The path to a third fight involves navigating several sanctioning body hurdles. While Bivol holds almost all major hardware at 175 pounds, the WBO has already ordered a mandatory defense against Callum Smith. Eddie Hearn, who describes both Bivol and Smith as clients, admits that the champion must now decide whether to fulfill that obligation or move in a different direction.
If Bivol chooses the Beterbiev fight over his mandatory, he may have to vacate the WBO strap. Hearn suggested that if the champion vacates, it could lead to Callum Smith facing Joshua Buatsi for the world title.
“He’s had his little run out against Eifert and now he’s got to decide if he’s going to fight Callum Smith or vacate the WBO,” Hearn told BoxingScene on June 7, 2026.
The trilogy would aim to crown a definitive leader of the division. Their first meeting concluded with Beterbiev winning by a finish in the final rounds, while Bivol gained revenge on February 22, 2025, in Riyadh by winning a 12-round majority decision.
This second victory saw Bivol become the undisputed light heavyweight world champion, a status that Eddie Hearn believes creates massive interest for a deciding third bout.
Balancing the light heavyweight championship landscape
Since the pair last met, the 175-pound landscape has shifted. David Benavidez now holds the WBC title, presenting another high-profile option for the champion. Hearn has mentioned that Bivol is not interested in “random fights” and specifically targets “true tests” like Benavidez or Beterbiev. However, the promoter noted that Callum Smith has also “got to get his shot” at the title.
The history between Bivol and Beterbiev is one of the most competitive in the sport’s recent history. Beterbiev, now 41, has sought a fight in Russia under “great conditions,” though the trilogy has faced delays. Much like the classic rivalries of previous eras, the technical proficiency of Bivol against the 95% knockout ratio of Beterbiev remains a primary draw for global viewers.
Hearn emphasized that a decision on the next move will likely be finalized in the coming weeks. “Dmitry wants the biggest fights in the sport,” Hearn said, noting that while the Benavidez fight is attractive, the Beterbiev trilogy remains a priority for the champion’s camp due to the unsettled nature of their series.
Sanctioning body decisions and the Callum Smith factor
The logistics of the division currently put Matchroom Boxing in an interesting position. With both Bivol and Callum Smith under their banner, the promotional firm must see which path the champion takes before mapping out the rest of the year. Smith has been positioned as the WBO mandatory challenger and is waiting for his opportunity to reclaim world honours.
If Bivol decides to vacate his WBO title to pursue Beterbiev, the belt would likely be contested by the next available top contenders. This would end Bivol’s reign as the undisputed champion, though Hearn remains confident that his fighter’s legacy is tied to the magnitude of his opponents. Bivol has expressed interest in other significant names, including Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez and Jai Opetaia.
Potential timelines for the undisputed trilogy
While no official date has been set, internal discussions in February 2026 suggested a trilogy could materialize toward the end of the year. Beterbiev will turn 42 in early 2027, adding a sense of urgency to the negotiations. The commercial framework for such a fight would likely involve the same heavy investment seen in their previous Riyadh-based encounters.
- Dmitry Bivol Record: 25-1-0 (12 KOs)
- Artur Beterbiev Record: 21-1-0 (20 KOs)
- Head-to-Head Series: 1-1
- Current Titles: WBA, WBO, IBF, and The Ring
For the boxing public, the conclusion of this rivalry represents a rare chance to see an undisputed champion settled through a three-fight saga. As other divisions look toward massive clashes like the penciled-in Fury versus Joshua bout for late 2026, the light heavyweight division is preparing for its own definitive moment.
Whether Bivol faces Smith, Benavidez, or Beterbiev, the choice will dictate the flow of the weight class for the next year.
