In the intricate world of professional boxing, where timing is often as crucial as technique, the anticipated third encounter between light-heavyweight titans Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol remains a subject of significant discussion and, increasingly, impatience.
Having shared the ring twice in recent history – an October bout culminating in a Beterbiev majority decision and a rematch just four months later where Bivol secured a clear victory – the stage was set for a decisive rubber match. Both fights carried significant weight, featuring world titles and showcasing the elite status of both athletes.
However, months have passed since their second clash, and concrete plans for a third fight have yet to materialize. This delay has prompted Artur Beterbiev, the elder statesman in this rivalry at 40 years old, to voice his frustration directly.
Breaking from his typically reserved approach to social media, Beterbiev took to Instagram with a pointed query directed at his rival: “Dima @bivol_d how old do I have to be before we have a third fight?”
Beterbiev articulated his perspective, recalling the swift turnaround requested for the second fight, even as he was recovering from surgery – a timeline his team reportedly opposed. He contrasted this with the drawn-out process for the potential trilogy:
“After five years of attempts on our part to unite the belts, it still happened,” Beterbiev wrote, referencing the path to their initial meetings. “The day after the first fight, we agreed on a rematch that was supposed to take place for four months… After the second fight, I immediately showed interest in a third fight soon, and at first there were rumours about the fight in August, but in an interview my opponent said that he wanted to hold it in late fall, then at the end of the year, and now it is unknown when.”
This public statement underscores a core tension: the ticking clock for a fighter entering his fifth decade versus the potentially wider strategic options available to the younger Bivol (who turns 35 in December).
From Dmitry Bivol`s standpoint, the landscape presents multiple paths. Following his second win over Beterbiev, discussions included a potential move up to cruiserweight, a highly lucrative rematch with Canelo Alvarez at super-middleweight, or the Beterbiev trilogy. Bivol has expressed a primary focus on legacy and securing belts, framing his ambitions beyond just financial gain.
The promotional and organizational complexities further cloud the picture. Rumors have varied from a summer date to late fall. Reports have emerged suggesting potential venues outside the typical fight hubs, including Russia, with influential figures like Turki Alalshikh reportedly giving their blessing.
Adding another layer of technical detail is the position of the IBF mandatory challenger, Michael Eifert, who has been awaiting his title shot for two years. This situation poses a potential hurdle if the IBF belt is intended to be on the line for the Beterbiev-Bivol trilogy. Eddie Hearn, Bivol`s co-promoter, recently indicated an expectation for the third fight to occur in November, alongside the need for dialogue with the IBF and Eifert`s team regarding a possible exception to allow the title to be contested in the trilogy bout.
“The IBF are a governing body that want to see action and want to see the mandatory challengers get their opportunity,” Hearn noted, acknowledging the possibility that the IBF belt could be vacated if an exception isn`t granted, potentially leading to Eifert fighting the next contender, Conor Wallace.
So, Beterbiev`s question hangs in the air. The trilogy is arguably the most compelling matchup in the division, yet its path to realization is navigating a maze of fighter options, promotional calendars, and sanctioning body regulations. When the dust finally settles and the contracts are signed, Beterbiev will most likely be either 40 or 41 years old, a stark reminder that in boxing, the window of opportunity, especially for legacy-defining fights, does not stay open indefinitely.
