World Boxing News can reveal that Dmitry Bivol’s long-awaited trilogy with Artur Beterbiev faces further delay as the light heavyweight king recovers from surgery.
Bivol’s manager, Vadim Kornilov, confirmed that while talks for a Russia-based third fight with Beterbiev had been under discussion, Turki Alalshikh has already pivoted toward staging a David Benavidez vs Artur Beterbiev clash in Riyadh next year.
Alalshikh added Beterbiev to the Benavidez undercard on November 22, leading to eyebrows raised at keeping the pair apart. Bivol then confirmed a surgical procedure that delayed his return until the first quarter of 2026, leading to further questions of why Alalshikh didn’t make Benavidez vs Beterbiev now.
Bivol vs Beterbiev Trilogy Faces Further Delay
Kornilov explained to WBN that it’s part of a more extended plan that could see Bivol miss out on a trilogy with Beterbiev completely.
If Beterbiev beats Deon Nicholson and Benavidez defeats Anthony Yarde, the Saudi Arabia blueprint points to the pair facing off in February. That leaves Bivol out in the cold despite medics predicting the Russian star could be ready to return by then.
Despite Kornilov informing WBN a few days ago that Bivol vs Beterbiev 3 will happen, the inclusion of Benavidez throws a curveball into the mix.
If Beterbiev should lose to Benavidez, Bivol would be much more likely to battle the Mexican Monster for the undisputed or at least unified title in late 2026.
And with a window of opportunity potentially opening up for Bivol upon his return in early next year, the champion could fit in a stipulated IBF mandatory to keep all the belts on the line.
A lot has to happen from now until then, but Kornilov outlined where the situation currently stands.
First of all, WBN asked Kornilov how close the Russia trilogy with Beterbiev came to reality before falling apart and whether it could be saved in the future.
A Strategic Plan and a New Rivalry
Kornilov told World Boxing News, “We were in discussions, there were some obstacles to overcome. This is definitely a much better possibility in the future on the terms agreed to mutually by both sides.
“We have to remember, the rematch, just as the first two fights, was initially discussed to be taking place in Saudi Arabia, as part of Riyadh Season.
“Beterbiev and his team were interested in doing the third Bivol fight in Russia, but for some reason, the current fight with Nicholson and further the fight with Benavidez are planned to take place in Riyadh.
“There are discussions of building up the third fight for the worldwide fans. We are open to fighting Benavidez or Beterbiev next year. We are not currently discussing a warm-up fight unless Dmitry’s recovery doesn’t go as planned.”
The revelation confirms what many insiders suspected: the November Riyadh event has been structured to pair the winners together before circling back to Bivol.
“I have heard that there are already plans for the winners of the event in November to meet each other, possibly, and for the winner to fight Bivol,” Kornilov admitted.
“This seems very strategic in my opinion because it only builds up the attention of the fans to all of these fights.”
Future negotiations
Pressed on whether the Russia trilogy could still happen, Kornilov revealed that discussions remain ongoing with multiple locations in play.
“We are and have been discussing possibilities for Bivol’s future fights with Riyadh Season, as we have certain agreements we have made, and we plan to materialize those agreed-upon plans.
“There have also been offers for Dmitriy to fight in Kyrgyzstan, as well as St. Petersburg, Russia. We are also looking at these options if our partners would consider them.”
For now, the path seems clear: Benavidez vs Beterbiev is Alalshikh’s chosen showcase, with Dmitry Bivol waiting in the wings for 2026, either as a unification or undisputed bridge or in a delayed trilogy with his fiercest rival.
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.
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