A third fight between Dmitry Bivol (25-1, 12 KOs) and Artur Beterbiev (21-1, 20 KOs) remains unmade, with the IBA now saying talks have stalled on Bivol’s side.
Bivol and Beterbiev fought to two hotly contested majority decisions in October 2024 and February 2025. Beterbiev won the first to become undisputed light heavyweight champion, and Bivol won the rematch to reclaim the title.
In the nearly 17 months since the rematch, several developments have prevented the trilogy from being finalized. The IBA has stepped in as an interested party, making several lucrative offers at different stages, including in recent weeks, without success.
“I’m very disappointed. 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.” Kremlev
After beating Beterbiev, Bivol vacated his WBC title in April 2025 rather than face mandatory challenger David Benavidez. He later underwent back surgery in August before returning in May 2026 to defeat IBF mandatory challenger Michael Eifert by unanimous decision.