A third fight between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitri Bivol could take place in Russia rather than Saudi Arabia, according to reporter Sean Zittel, who says sources close to the situation believe plans are moving in that direction.
Discussing the situation following Bivol’s unanimous decision over Michael Eifert on Saturday, Zittel said several people familiar with ongoing talks expect a trilogy fight between Beterbiev and Bivol to be financed and staged in Russia rather than by Turki Alalshikh.
“Betterbiev and Bivol will probably push through with a trilogy in Russia without Turki’s involvement, without Saudi funding. It will be done by Umar Kremlev and the Russian Boxing Federation which runs IBA,” Zittel said. “That’s what’s likely to be pushed through, is Beterbiev-Bivol 3 in Russia next.”
The reported development emerged during a broader discussion about David Benavidez’s future and why his team was exploring alternative options at both light heavyweight and cruiserweight.
According to Zittel, Team Benavidez believes that Bivol remains its preferred target. However, if Bivol and Beterbiev move forward with a third fight, that road could be closed for the rest of the year.
Zittel also said Jose Benavidez Sr. has urged the WBC to make David Benavidez the mandatory challenger for cruiserweight champion Noel Mikaelian, giving his son another title shot if major light heavyweight fights remain unavailable.
“Their number one and two options are Bivol for the title and then Beterbiev if they can’t get Bivol. But if they fight each other, you move on to cruiserweight for the WBC belt,” Zittel said while discussing talks with Jose Benavidez Sr.
Neither Beterbiev nor Bivol have officially announced plans for a trilogy match. The two opponents split their previous meetings, with Beterbiev winning the first fight before Bivol got revenge in their rematch.
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Last updated on 31/05/2026 at 22:21
