World Boxing News spoke exclusively to Vadim Kornilov, manager of Dmitry Bivol, as the light heavyweight landscape continues to shift following Artur Beterbiev’s latest comments.
The pair have already shared two punishing battles in the last ten months, with Bivol emerging victorious from the rematch and stamping himself as the division’s leading man.
Despite a setback to the trilogy due to a delay for Bivol to have surgery, Beterbiev suggested that his rival was ‘running’ from a third fight.
Setting the Record Straight
Kornilov hit back firmly, telling World Boxing News, “I do not see any basis for this accusation, and just like the previous two fights, I believe the third fight will still happen.”
The promoter’s stance is clear that a third fight is inevitable. Bivol is not shying away, but simply regrouping after a whirlwind schedule of four high-stakes contests in little under a year.
In the meantime, Beterbiev is preparing to face Demond Nicholson on the same card that features David Benavidez, a fight many thought would be his natural choice of opponent.
For Kornilov, however, the matchmaking strategy of keeping Beterbiev and Benavidez apart makes business sense.
“From what I understand, this is a build-up to the bigger fights to come, which makes business sense,” Kornilov told WBN.
Business Sense and Strategy
Kornilov doesn’t criticize the decision. Instead, he acknowledges that the Nicholson bout acts as a placeholder. It’s a way of keeping Beterbiev active while the pathway toward the trilogy or other super-fights takes shape.
Some observers have suggested Beterbiev might need a softer touch after the two taxing wars with Bivol, while others fear Nicholson may not pose the kind of danger a champion of his stature requires.
Kornilov sees it differently.
“I have not seen Nicholson fight, but any fight can be dangerous at this level. I don’t believe that age is the most relevant judging factor.”
It’s a reminder that at the world level, every opponent brings risk, regardless of their résumé. The conversation naturally shifted to Beterbiev’s advancing years.
By the time a potential trilogy could materialize, the unified champion will be 41 years old – an age that has ended many a career in the sport’s toughest division.
What’s Next for the Division
Would that diminish the spectacle, or kill the trilogy if Beterbiev looks poor against Nicholson?
Kornilov doesn’t believe so.
“Right after the rematch in February, after four big fights within 14 months, Dmitry needed time to recover and deal with his physical ailments. We made it public that we would not be able to return to the ring until the end of the year.
“Beterbiev has other plans now, and I don’t see any problem with it. He wanted to stay more active; it is understandable.”
That explanation reinforces Bivol’s position. He’s not avoiding Beterbiev, but pacing his career after a brutal run of championship fights. The trilogy, Kornilov insists, remains firmly on course – just not immediately.
With Bivol now the face of the weight class, and Artur Beterbiev refusing to fade away, the light heavyweight division looks set for one more defining collision between the two men who have come to embody it.
David Benavidez may face a longer wait on the sidelines unless Bivol decides to remain out of action until the second half of 2026.
About the Author
Phil Jay is a veteran boxing journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the global fight scene. As Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News since 2010, Jay has interviewed dozens of world champions and reported ringside on boxing’s biggest nights. [View all articles by Phil Jay] and learn more about his work in combat sports journalism.