Bivol Back In Training After Surgery

Dmitry Bivol is back in training following back surgery, as we look at what could be next.

The news comes after Bivol beat Artur Beterbiev in their rematch to become the Undisputed Light Heavyweight Champion. Bivol was then ordered to face his WBC mandatory David Benavidez, but chose to vacate, as the Mexican became the new champion. A trilogy with Beterbiev was spoken about, but Bivol’s back injury ruled that out, as Beterbiev will now box Deon Nicholson in November.

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A third fight between Bivol and Beterbiev is a legacy-defining event. Beterbiev won the first fight by a razor-thin majority decision in October 2024 to become the undisputed champion, with the scores 116-112, 115-113, and 114-114. Bivol, in a masterful display of skill and determination, won the February 2025 rematch by the exact same scores, handing Beterbiev his first career loss and becoming the undisputed champion. With the series tied at one win apiece and both fights being incredibly close, a third bout would be the ultimate decider.

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A potential clash with David Benavidez would be a fascinating test. Benavidez, a high-volume, relentless pressure fighter. While many in the boxing community have accused Bivol of "ducking" the dangerous Benavidez, a future fight between the two would be a massive event.

A rematch with pound-for-pound superstar Canelo Alvarez is the biggest money fight of Bivol’s career. Bivol defeated Alvarez in a shocking upset in May 2022, a win that cemented his status as an elite fighter. A rematch would be a chance for Bivol to prove that the first victory was no fluke. It would also be an opportunity for Alvarez to avenge his loss and for Bivol to earn a massive paycheck, potentially the biggest of his career.

"There are discussions of building up the third fight [with Beterbiev] for the worldwide fans. We are open to fighting Benavidez or Beterbiev next year. We are not currently discussing a warm-up battle unless Dmitry’s recovery doesn’t go as planned. I am not sure if Canelo actually wants the fight. If everything goes well with rehab, Bivol should be ready to fight in the first quarter of next year," Vadim Kornilov (Bivol’s manager)

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