Former undisputed light heavyweight world champion Artur Beterbiev has spoken out on a possible trilogy between himself and Dmitry Bivol.
Beterbiev and Bivol fought twice across 2024 and 2025.
The 41-year-old was victorious in the pair’s first fight in Riyadh, picking up a majority decision.
Four months later, he was on the wrong side of a majority decision, with the judges’ scorecards reading 114-114, 115-113 and 116-112 in favour of Bivol.
He spoke to Inside The Ring and reflected on his two fights with the Russian, conveying his disappointment with the result of their rematch.
“Between Bivol and me it is one-one.
“It is a fact that I won the first fight, but I believe that I won the second fight better than I did the first one. In the third fight I will do better than both of them.”
He continued, claiming the trilogy is one boxing fans are desperate to see next and provided a timeframe for when the fight could take place.
“Of course I want that trilogy. Everybody needs this rematch – the fans, boxing fans.
“I am expecting to have a third fight in five or six months, but I think he is ducking me.”
During the interview, he was asked if he’d be interested in facing any other challengers at light heavyweight, such as David Benavidez, but gave a clear answer on who he wants to fight next.
“I am more focused on a rubber match [with Bivol].”
At 41 years old, it could be expected that he is entering the final few fights of his career.
However, when he was asked if his age has affected him negatively, he provided a positive outlook on where he is in his career.
“When I was 25 years old, I didn’t have the experience. I’m enjoying this challenge and I am open to big fights.”
A third fight with Bivol over the next six months seems unlikely, as he is expected to undergo surgery again on July 4, according to Boxing Scene.
The duration of Bivol’s recovery following the surgery is unknown.
He returned to the ring last month for the first time in 13 months, picking up a comfortable unanimous decision over Michael Eifert after dropping him in the first round.
With Bivol’s treatment looming, Beterbiev may be forced to wait even longer for his trilogy and could have to look elsewhere for his next opponent.
