By Graham Ilford: Artur Beterbiev announced today that he is a free agent after his contract with Top Rank expires in June 2025. He was at Top Rank from 2019 to 2025.
Matchroom moves into position
Former undisputed light heavyweight champion Beterbiev (21-1, 20 KOs) has not said which promotional company he will sign with next. Matchroom is believed to be the frontrunner for the next promoter of 2012 Olympian Beterbiev.
PBC is also ongoing. With Beterbiev turning 41 on January 21, 2026, and with 2-3 fights left in his career, remaining a free agent would also be an option. Bererbiev is expected to fight a trilogy bout against IBF, WBA and WBO light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol in early 2026. The two Russian-born fighters are 1-1 after two fights.
Why free agency makes sense now
It makes sense that Beterbiev chose not to re-sign with Top Rank. The Bob Arum-owned company lost its broadcast deal with ESPN in August 2025 after an eight-year run starting in 2017. With no word on when or if Top Rank will secure a new broadcast deal, it’s understandable why Beterbiev chose to go the free agent route rather than re-sign, if there was even an option to do so.
Hello everyone. As of this June, I am a free agent. My contract with TopRank has expired. I am grateful for all the years with TopRank and want to thank them for the opportunities they have given me. I want everyone who follows and supports me to know that I believe — the best fights are ahead. pic.twitter.com/4lABHvp0wW
— Artur Beterbiev (@ABeterbiev) November 6, 2025
Injury streak that stalled momentum
Beterbiev was supposed to fight Deon Nicholson on the undercard of David Benavidez vs. Anthony Yarde event on November 22, 2025, at the ANB Arena in Riyadh. However, Beterbiev suffered an injury and had to be pulled from the card.
Beterbiev’s injury problems since 2020
- Unknown – Eliminated November 22, 2025 vs. Deon Nicholson
- Torn Meniscus (Knee Surgery) (2024)
- Bone Infection (Dental Surgery Complication) – 2023
- Ribs/Shoulder Injury – 2020
Veteran boxing columnist Graham Ilford brings dry humor and long-deserved perspective to the sport.
Last updated on 11/06/2025
