Bivol–Beterbiev Trilogy Now Targeted for April 2027

The third fight between light heavyweight rivals Dmitry Bivol (25-1, 12 KO), the division’s unified champion, and its former undisputed champ, Artur Beterbiev (21-1, 20 KO) is targeted for April 2027 in Russia.

Beterbiev edged Bivol by majority decision to earn the undisputed championship in their first meeting back in October 2024, however Bivol avenged the loss in their February 2025 rematch when Bivol won a majority decision to level the rivalry at one win apiece.

Next year’s third installment of the saga could determine the rivalry’s winner, though it comes at a time in which Beterbiev will be 42 years old, six years older than Bivol. Beterbiev will also have been inactive for more than two years, having not competed since that loss to Bivol in 2025 — the first of his pro career.

Bivol, meanwhile, returned to the ring on May 30 and beat Michael Eifert by unanimous decision. As the WBO champion, he must also fight the sanctioning body’s interim light heavyweight titleholder Callum Smith in a WBO mandated bout scheduled to take place in December.