Bivol to vacate WBO title, pursue Beterbiev trilogy over Smith

Dmitry Bivol will vacate his WBO heavyweight/" class="internal-link text-bone underline decoration-ash/30 hover:decoration-gold underline-offset-2">light heavyweight title to pursue a trilogy fight with Artur Beterbiev rather than face mandatory challenger Callum Smith, promoter Eddie Hearn told The Ring this week.

Bivol holds The Ring, IBF, WBA, and WBO titles after splitting two razor-close majority decisions with Beterbiev. The Russian-Canadian won the first meeting in October 2024 to become undisputed champion, but Bivol reclaimed the crown four months later in Saudi Arabia. Both blockbuster cards were backed by Turki Alalshikh.

Smith expected to face Buatsi for vacant WBO belt

The WBO ordered Bivol to defend against Smith, the interim champion, with both sides given until July 26 to negotiate. But Bivol and his manager Vadim Kornilov have instructed Hearn to begin talks with Beterbiev's team instead. "We're ready to make the Beterbiev fight. That's the fight Dmitry wants," Hearn said, per The Ring. "I think it's unlikely he'll defend against Smith. I think Smith will fight Joshua Buatsi for the vacant title."

Hearn also shot down reports that Bivol recently turned down a $14 million offer to face Beterbiev. "None of that is true," the Matchroom chief said. "If those people are watching right now, call me and make that offer, and he will accept it immediately."

Beterbiev has not fought since the April rematch and has publicly questioned Bivol's commitment to a third bout. Bivol returned from back surgery in May to stop IBF mandatory Michael Eifert. Both fighters are 25-1 and 21-1 respectively, with the winner of a potential trilogy positioned to settle the division's unfinished business.

Source: ringmagazine.com