Artur Beterbiev is publicly pressing his rival, Dmitry Bivol, for answers regarding the long-awaited third fight between the two light-heavyweight champions.
These two dominant figures have been at the pinnacle of the division for several years, and their skills were clearly displayed in two previous Riyadh encounters where all four major belts were reportedly contested. According to reports, each fighter secured a victory, splitting the outcomes. Beterbiev is said to have won the first bout in October by majority decision, while Bivol reportedly delivered a superior performance in the rematch, earning a clear decision win.
A rubber match has been widely anticipated, but as discussions and potential dates drag on, Beterbiev, who is 40 years old and not typically active on social media, took to Instagram to voice his impatience. He directly addressed Bivol, asking, “How old do I have to be before we have a third fight?”
In his Instagram post, Beterbiev explained that numerous questions about the third battle prompted him to share his perspective. He stated that the initial fight for the undisputed championship supposedly took place last October following five years of attempts to unify the belts. He further claimed that a rematch was agreed upon the very next day, scheduled for four months later, despite his ongoing recovery from surgery and his team`s reservations about such a rapid turnaround. Following the reported second fight, Beterbiev indicated he immediately expressed interest in a prompt third meeting. However, he noted that Bivol`s public statements have suggested later timelines, initially mentioning late fall to year-end, and now leaving the date uncertain. He concluded his post by pointedly repeating his question to Bivol.
The age difference between the fighters is a key factor: Beterbiev is set to turn 41 next January, while Bivol will celebrate his 35th birthday in December. Based on the two previous encounters described, there might be subtle indicators of Beterbiev`s age, whereas Bivol appeared to significantly elevate his performance in the rematch, securing a deserved win after a first fight he arguably could have won.
In the aftermath of his reported February victory, Bivol reportedly spoke to media and acknowledged the array of opportunities available to him. Among the possibilities discussed were a third fight with Beterbiev, a potential move up to cruiserweight, and a rematch against Canelo Alvarez at super-middleweight (Bivol previously defeated Canelo at light-heavyweight in May 2022). Commenting on a potential return bout with the Mexican superstar, Bivol reportedly highlighted his primary motivation as fighting for belts and solidifying his legacy, stating his goal is to be remembered in boxing history, not just for financial gain.
Since Bivol`s victory, various updates have emerged: a boxing organization expressed interest in hosting the fight in Russia; rumors circulated about a summer fight between Bivol and David Benavidez; Bivol`s manager publicly stated the trilogy with Beterbiev should be next; Bivol reportedly vacated one of his championship belts, resulting in David Benavidez being elevated to full champion; and it was recently reported that Saudi advisor Turki Alalshikh has given his endorsement for a third Bivol-Beterbiev fight to be held in Russia.
Bivol`s co-promoter, Eddie Hearn, recently shared his expectation that the third Bivol vs. Beterbiev encounter will happen in November. This comes amidst potential conflicts, particularly concerning the IBF mandatory challenger, Michael Eifert, who has reportedly been waiting for his title shot for two years. Hearn mentioned Eifert is currently slated to fight Conor Wallace, another fighter his company promotes. Hearn anticipates that an exception request will likely be filed with the IBF to allow their belt to be on the line for the Bivol-Beterbiev trilogy, given the lengthy delay for the mandatory. He acknowledged the IBF`s commitment to ensuring mandatory challengers get their opportunity and stated that if the IBF title were vacated, a fight between Eifert and the next contender, Conor Wallace, for the vacant belt would also be a positive outcome. However, his “gut feeling” is that an exception will be granted to keep the IBF title contested in the highly anticipated third Bivol-Beterbiev bout.
Regardless of when the fight is finally scheduled, the question of Beterbiev`s age at that time remains relevant. The strong probability is that he will be either 40 or, at the latest, 41 years old.
