Artur Beterbiev is reportedly willing to forgo a paycheck to secure a trilogy fight against Dmitry Bivol. According to the International Boxing Association, Bivol’s team is delaying the undisputed light heavyweight decider despite being presented with a substantially increased financial offer.
The rivalry stands at one win apiece following two close bouts in Saudi Arabia. Beterbiev first unified the division with a majority decision in October 2024, but Bivol reclaimed the titles in their February 2025 rematch, also by majority decision. International Boxing Association president Umar Kremlev has now publicly expressed frustration over the stalled negotiations for a third fight. “I’m very disappointed,” Kremlev said. “Everyone is waiting for this fight. I don’t know why Bivol and his team are not accepting the offer, but I will do my best to make this fight happen. We’ve been having discussions with both teams for quite a while. I can confirm that Beterbiev and his team are ready for the fight.”
Kremlev claims the financial terms are not the issue from their side. He emphasized that the offer to Bivol is a major increase from their previous encounters and that Beterbiev’s primary motivation is the fight itself. “The offer we made to Bivol for the third fight was considerably bigger than the first two fights. Specifically, Bivol was given two times a bigger offer than in previous fights. Beterbiev will fight for free just to make this fight happen.”
Since his victory, Bivol has made several strategic moves. He vacated the WBC title rather than face mandatory challenger David Benavidez, underwent back surgery, and returned in May with a decision win over Michael Eifert. Kremlev suggested the delay comes from Bivol’s representatives, not the fighter himself. He said: “Bivol appears ready for the fight, but his team is thinking.”
Still, the IBA president is pushing for a resolution, framing a rubber match as a matter of professional obligation. “I believe firmly that we need to find common ground and we need to make this fight happen. The world is waiting. Beterbiev gave Bivol a rematch, and Bivol should do the same. It’s the only appropriate gesture.”
The situation is now complicated by sanctioning body politics. The WBO recently ordered Bivol to defend his title against interim champion Callum Smith, giving both camps until July 26 to negotiate. If Bivol proceeds with that mandatory defense, the highly anticipated trilogy with Beterbiev will be postponed indefinitely, leaving the top of the light heavyweight division in a state of uncertainty.
