Artur Beterbiev Accuses Dmitry Bivol Of Ducking Trilogy Fight

The former undisputed champion says Dmitry Bivol is avoiding a third fight as mandatory title obligations threaten to delay the rematch further

Artur Beterbiev believes Dmitry Bivol is avoiding a third fight despite the pair splitting two closely contested world title bouts. The former undisputed light heavyweight champion says he accepted an immediate rematch expecting a trilogy within months, but now believes Bivol no longer wants the fight.

Beterbiev defeated Bivol by majority decision to become the undisputed champion in October 2024 before Bivol evened the rivalry four months later with a majority decision victory of his own. Although a trilogy bout had been widely expected, the rubber match has yet to be finalized.

Frustrated by the delay, Beterbiev questioned Bivol’s willingness to face him again.

“There is a very short time after the first fight and third fight, even with that, I accepted this fight, expecting to have the third fight within five/six months. You can see that he doesn’t want to fight, he is ducking me, I think so,” said Beterbiev to The Ring.

Beterbiev, 41, has repeatedly insisted that a trilogy is the only fight he wants next, maintaining that the rivalry deserves a definitive conclusion after two closely contested championship bouts.

The delay has become more significant because Bivol is now expected to deal with mandatory obligations. The WBO has positioned former world champion Callum Smith as the next mandatory challenger, leaving Bivol with a decision between making that defense or vacating the belt.

Beterbiev has remained inactive since losing the rematch in February 2025 and continues to push for a decisive third meeting to settle one of boxing’s best recent rivalries. Unless the mandatory situation is resolved first, the trilogy could be pushed back even further.

Share on Facebook

Post on X