United three-belt light heavyweight champion Dmitri Bivol allegedly returned to the ring for the first time since his back surgery in early August. His promoter, Eddie Hearn, said he would need 6 to 8 weeks to recover.
BIVOL’s injury changes everything
The trilogy battle that Bsvol (24-1, 12 COs), his fans and the Saudi hoped to happen against Artur Betterbiev is for the time being because of Bivol’s back surgery. Betterbiev is scheduled to fight Deon Nicholson in Riyadh on November 22.
Another attack that the public wants to see is Biblical, 34, who struggled for the WBC Panes, of the WBC Pond, for the undisputed light heavyweight championship. However, Banavidez is scheduled to defend against Anthony Yarde in the main liner on November 22 at the ANB Arena in Riyadh, and he will only return to the ring in 2026.
Bivol’s promoter, Hearn, is reportedly waiting for the trilogy match against Betterbiev (21-1, 20 COs) rather than facing ‘the Mexican monster’ benavidez for the four belts.
Fans on social media would like to see Benavidez get the chance to fight Biblical first, because they have already seen back-to-back fights between him and Artur. The Saudi will be the ones to decide which of the two battles will take place.
Betterbiev’s age a concern
The risk of a struggle between young 28-year-old benavidez and Biblical is that benavidez can defeat Bivolol, which can defeat the interest in a trilogy match in Bi it. Artur’s prosperous age is another reason why the trilogy match should take place sooner than later. Betterbiev turns on January 21, 2026 with 41 and his last two battles have shown that he is starting to delay. His mobility and hand speed do not appear as fast as five years ago in 2020.
The tactics used by Dmitri to defeat the former 175-pound undisputed champion with a 12-round decision earlier this year, on February 22, 2025, in Riyadh, could be less effective against Benavidez.
BIVOL’s tactics he used to defeat betterbiev
- In and out of movement
- Quick Short Barrel Combinations
- Tie
- Jabbing
- Fight defensively early
- Counter-punching
- Increase the pace in later rounds
Benavidez’s speed and power
These tactics are likely to be less effective against Davis benavidez, because he quickly has hands, throws fast combinations and cuts off the ring well. His mobility is excellent. Thus, the movement that Biblical used to neutralize the breach of better Biev in February in February can be less effective against Benavidez.
Last updated on 08/30/2025
