IBA president Umar Kremlev claims Dmitry Bivol’s team rejected an offer worth twice as much as the champion earned for his first two fights with Artur Beterbiev.
Kremlev said Beterbiev has already agreed to a third fight and would even compete without a purse to make the trilogy happen. “Bivol was given two times a bigger offer than in previous fights,” he said. “Beterbiev will fight for free just to make this fight happen.”
According to Kremlev, several written offers have been made over recent months, but Bivol’s team continues to consider other options. He added that Bivol appears willing to fight, while those around him are still evaluating the market.
The trilogy has remained unresolved since Bivol defeated Beterbiev by majority decision in February 2025, avenging his only professional loss and regaining the undisputed light heavyweight title.
Bivol now also faces a WBO deadline to negotiate a mandatory defense against Callum Smith, with both sides given until July 26 to reach an agreement. If that fight moves forward, Beterbiev is expected to take another bout before a third meeting can be revisited.
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