Dmitry Bivol’s Targeted Return & Opponent

Unified light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol (25-1, 12 KOs) is targeting a December comeback after undergoing left elbow surgery last week, with a third fight against Artur Beterbiev (21-1-, 20 KOs) remaining his preferred next move.

Bivol’s camp is weighing two options: completing the trilogy with Beterbiev or a WBO title defence against Callum Smith if a deal for the trilogy cannot be reached. Beterbiev took the first fight by majority decision to become undisputed light heavyweight champion. Bivol responded with a majority decision victory in the rematch to become undisputed. As for the now 41-year-old Beterbiev, he has not fought since losing to Bivol in February 2025.

Bivol’s last appearance, a unanimous decision over IBF mandatory challenger Michael Eifert on May 30, drew considerable criticism from fans who felt the defence served only to further push back the Beterbiev trilogy. Bivol had already relinquished the WBC belt rather than meet mandatory challenger David Benavidez, meaning the Eifert fight carried limited upside beyond keeping him active.