Dmitry Bivol Undergoes Surgery, Delays Artur Beterbiev Trilogy

The Ring light heavyweight champion begins recovery as uncertainty grows over a third fight with Artur Beterbiev and his WBO title.

Dmitry Bivol has undergone successful left elbow surgery, delaying his return and pushing a third fight with Artur Beterbiev further down the schedule. The setback also leaves fresh uncertainty over whether he will defend his WBO title or vacate the belt to pursue the trilogy.

Bivol and Beterbiev have split two close fights, leaving strong interest in a deciding bout. Thursday’s announcement makes it increasingly unlikely that the trilogy will happen anytime soon, even though it remains Bivol’s preferred option.

The surgery also arrives while Bivol’s championship future remains unresolved.

The WBO recently ordered Bivol to defend against interim champion Callum Smith, but Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn has indicated that a mandatory defense is unlikely if Bivol pursues the Beterbiev trilogy. Hearn said Bivol wants that fight above all else, even if it means giving up the WBO title.

If Bivol vacates, Smith is expected to remain in line for the vacant championship, with Joshua Buatsi viewed as the leading candidate to face him.

Nothing about Thursday’s announcement changes that situation, although the surgery makes it harder to predict when any decision will be finalized. Bivol must first complete his recovery before attention returns to negotiations over the trilogy or the future of the WBO title.

A third meeting with Beterbiev remains one of boxing’s biggest attractions. The only certainty after Thursday’s announcement is that fans will have to wait longer before learning what comes next for the Ring light heavyweight champion.

Scheduled elbow surgery is behind me. Everything went well. Thank you everyone for your support, messages, and kind words 🤝 pic.twitter.com/4lgPVlHZDE

— Dmitry Bivol (@bivol_d) July 23, 2026

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