Undisputed light-heavyweight ruler Dmitry Bivol and three-belt knockout machine Artur Beterbiev are on track to settle their 1-1 rivalry in the autumn. Promoter Eddie Hearn revealed that Saudi organizers have pencilled the rubber match for October or November, giving Bivol time to heal a “small injury” suffered in his February revenge win and to begin camp at full throttle.
Bivol’s majority-decision victory on February 22 flipped the script from last year’s late-stoppage defeat, unifying the IBF, WBA and WBO crowns but costing him the WBC strap when he vacated rather than face mandatory David Benavidez. The WBO has likewise extended its mandatory window, overriding interim titleholder Callum Smith, to clear a path for the trilogy, underscoring the bout’s status as the division’s true championship decider.
Watch Beterbiev vs. Bivol 2 highlights: Watch
The first two contests were razor-thin studies in contrast: Beterbiev’s pressure and 94-percent KO rate prevailing in 2024; Bivol’s angles and volume edging the rematch nine months later. Hearn believes the Russian technician will be “even better” this time, hinting at adjustments aimed at blunting Beterbiev’s body attack and late-round surges.
Image Credit: Matchroom Boxing