Bivol declined Beterbiev trilogy despite double purse offer

Dmitry Bivol turned down a lucrative offer to complete a trilogy with Artur Beterbiev in Moscow, according to IBA president Umar Kremlev, who says the sanctioning body proposed a purse double what the heavyweight/" class="internal-link text-bone underline decoration-ash/30 hover:decoration-gold underline-offset-2">light heavyweight champion earned for their first two fights.

Kremlev told The Ring that Beterbiev agreed to fight for free to make the bout happen, but Bivol's team declined to proceed. The two Russians fought to majority decisions in October 2024 and February 2025, splitting the results. Beterbiev took the first to unify the division in Saudi Arabia; Bivol reclaimed the titles in the rematch.

Why the Bivol-Beterbiev trilogy stalled

"I'm very disappointed," Kremlev said, per The Ring. "Everyone is waiting for this fight. I don't know why Bivol and his team are not accepting the offer, but I will do my best to make this fight happen." He added that the IBA sent written proposals but Bivol's camp "is still waiting for something" and appears to be exploring other options.

After beating Beterbiev in February, Bivol vacated his WBC title rather than face mandatory challenger David Benavidez. He underwent back surgery in August and returned in May with a tune-up win over Michael Eifert. The WBO this week ordered Bivol to defend against interim champion Callum Smith by July 26.

Kremlev said Beterbiev gave Bivol a rematch and the gesture should be reciprocated. The IBA president believes Bivol will fight Smith next while Beterbiev pursues other opportunities, but he plans to revisit negotiations for a third meeting later. The IBA is prepared to stage the fight in Russia for 100,000 fans or bring it elsewhere, Kremlev said, calling the matchup "the only appropriate gesture" for the division.

Source: ringmagazine.com