Will Bivol Vacate World Title In Favor Of Beterbiev Trilogy?

Dmitry Bivol (25-1, 12 KOs) is set to relinquish his WBC light heavyweight title as promoter Eddie Hearn confirms his sole focus is a trilogy fight with Artur Beterbiev (21-1, 20 KOs) — pushing aside talk of an alternative route through Callum Smith.

“There’s a lot of people saying Bivol doesn’t want to fight Beterbiev. That’s not true at all. Dmitry wants the trilogy. That’s the fight he wants. We’ll start those conversations and see what happens,” Hearn

Bivol claimed the undisputed light heavyweight crown by avenging his only career defeat against Beterbiev with a majority decision in February 2025, before a 15-month layoff cost him the WBC title, as he vacated rather than facing his then mandatory David Benavidez, who was then elevated to a champion. Bivol returned in May, shaking off the rust against Michael Eifert to retain his remaining three belts, with elbow surgery now scheduled before he can plot his next move.

Smith had been lined up as the immediate opponent following Bivol’s recovery, with Smith holding the WBO mandatory position at 175 pounds. However, Hearn indicated that fight is now unlikely to materialize, with Smith instead expected to rematch Joshua Buatsi for the vacant WBO light heavyweight title once Bivol steps away from the belt.

“I think Callum Smith will probably end up boxing Joshua Buatsi for the vacant world title if that’s the route it goes,” Hearn