Dmitry Bivol’s top priority is securing a trilogy fight with Artur Beterbiev, according to promoter Eddie Hearn. Hearn has dismissed recent speculation that Bivol is avoiding a third meeting, confirming that discussions for the high-stakes rubber match are being initiated.
The promoter addressed the talk directly. “There’s a lot of people saying, ‘Bivol doesn’t want to fight Beterbiev.’ That’s not true at all,” Hearn stated. Bivol’s intentions are clear, despite his recovery from recent elbow surgery and other obligations in the division. The focus remains on settling the rivalry after the two split their first two bouts. Hearn confirmed this is the primary target. “Dmitry wants the trilogy. That’s the fight he wants. We’ll start those conversations and see what happens.”
Bivol’s pursuit of Beterbiev complicates his standing with the WBO, which has ordered him to defend his title against mandatory challenger Callum Smith. This is not the first time Bivol has prioritized a legacy fight over a mandatory defence. He previously relinquished the WBC light heavyweight title on April 7, 2025, after choosing to pursue the Beterbiev series instead of facing David Benavidez.
A similar outcome could unfold for the WBO title. Hearn suggested that Smith will not wait indefinitely for Bivol and may be presented with another opportunity if the Beterbiev fight is finalized. “I think Callum Smith will probably end up boxing Joshua Buatsi for the vacant world title if that’s the route it goes,” Hearn said. This would allow the rest of the division to move forward while the two rivals focus on their third encounter. Still, the primary objective has been set. Hearn reiterated Bivol’s stance, concluding, “We’ll see how everything plays out, but Dmitry wants the Beterbiev fight.”
