Bivol-Beterbiev III delayed to 2026

There will be a trilogy because Beterbiev dominated Bivol in both fights. The belts belong to Beterbiev.

 

I agree, but not with this part. This dragged out their rivalry by significant margins, and neither fighter took a meaningful fight in-between. Well, Wilder rematched Ortiz, which was decent, but that was another random rematch.

 

Bivol is ageing out Beterbiev again

I received hundreds of questions about the third fight, that’s why I decided to answer here.

As you know, the first fight for the absolute champion title took place in October last year. After five years of attempts to unify the belts, it was still successful. The day after the first fight, we agreed on a rematch, which was to take place within four months, despite the fact that I was after the operation, and my coach and doctor were categorically against such an early rematch.

After the second fight, I immediately showed interest in an early third fight, and at first there were rumors about the fight in August, but my opponent said in an interview that he wanted to hold it in late autumn, then - at the end of the year, and now - it is completely unknown when.

Dima, how old do I have to be so that we can fight for the third time?

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Beterbiev should just fight again to stay busy. Age is not on his side

 

if he fights again he’s risking another massive payday. Given he’s at the end of his career, unfortunately, far smarter to just wait for Bivol. You don’t risk a $10mil payday at the end of your earning days for a $1mil payday. You wait.

and Beterbiev is definitely at the end, with his constant injuries. BHop he is not and will not be. His body will just not put up with it. And given his mediocre English, he doesn’t really have any future earning potential with the sport (unless they pay nice money in Russia to former boxers to commentate on local fights I guess).

 

Khabib doesn't have great English either. Many UFC fighters don't. But they are promoted well so that's why they have the profiles they do.

Maybe that's why Dana White is now working with Turki...

That's a side point though; Beterbiev has a big name with certain demographics ; Muslims, Caucus region and Russians .

Bivol has a big name but on his own is a hard sell. Beterbiev would have it slightly easier due to his KO laden career.

That's just my opinion though