Umar Kremlev, the president of the IBA, has expressed the organization’s readiness to stage a third bout between Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev. Both Bivol, thge current world champion, and Beterbiev, the former world champion, are widely regarded as the top two in the light heavyweight division (particularly with David Benavidez moving up to cruiserweight), and their rivalry has already achieved mass global recognition within the modern professional boxing landscape. Kremlev noted that, prior to meeting for a third time, each Russian boxer is expected to take part in an interim bout. Following this, the parties involved would be in a position to proceed with detailed discussions regarding the timing and format of the trilogy fight. Preliminary talks may commence towards the end of the year. Kremlev identified Moscow as the preferred host city for the potential bout, stating that it meets all the necessary high quality criteria for staging an event of such magnitude.

 

Bivol and Beterbiev squared off in 2024 and 2025, both claose majority decisions, with Beterbiev winning the first encounter and Bivol the second.

 

Kremlev stated: “IBA stands ready to organize a trilogy fight between Bivol and Beterbiev. These are two of the finest boxers in the world, and their rivalry represents a truly global sporting historical event. However, both fighters are expected to complete one interim bout before facing each other again. Thereafter, by the end of the year, it should be possible to move forward with firm planning and organisation of the third fight. Our priority is to stage this trilogy in Russia. In my view, hosting such a bout is entirely feasible at present. Given the current global circumstances, Moscow represents a suitable and secure venue for an event of this scale, with all the necessary infrastructure in place to deliver it at the very highest level.”