The rematch between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol lived up to all expectations, proving to be another closely contested battle, just like their first encounter. Bivol came out strong early on, while Beterbiev took control in the middle rounds, and the momentum kept swinging back and forth. Ultimately, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Bivol, at 34 years old, did enough to narrowly secure the win and claim the undisputed light heavyweight title.
After 12 intense rounds, the judges scored the fight as follows: Deon Dwarte had it 115-113, Mike Fitzgerald scored 116-112, and Jean-Robert Laine saw it as 114-114, giving Bivol a majority decision victory. Despite the loss, 41-year-old Beterbiev was not ready to retire and refused to let the defeat to his fellow countryman mark the end of his career.
Right after the fight concluded, Beterbiev—who rarely speaks in public—took the microphone. He had not experienced disappointment after a boxing match since his amateur days against Oleksandr Usyk. Now, with the realization setting in that Bivol was the new undisputed champion, Beterbiev made it clear that he wasn’t finished yet. In a post-fight interview in the ring, he declared, “Now it’s my time to come back… We’re gonna do a third fight.”
But will this trilogy happen?
The two epic battles between Beterbiev and Bivol have been some of the most intense in recent boxing history, and yet, the outcome remains in dispute. Both fights were incredibly close, and a few key moments could have swung the result in either fighter’s favor. Beyond the debate over who deserved the win, there’s a larger reason for Bivol to grant a trilogy: to solidify his legacy as the best in the division. Bivol should want to prove that his title reign is definitive, and the only way to do that is by beating Beterbiev twice.
A third fight between them would also generate massive interest and financial rewards, even if money isn’t their primary motivation.
As it stands, it seems likely that Beterbiev will follow the path Bivol took after his loss last October. While the timing and location of the trilogy remain unclear, one thing is certain: fans will be eagerly waiting for this showdown. Would you want to see a third fight between Beterbiev and Bivol?