Arthur Beterbijev and IBF, WBA and WBO Lightweight Heavyweight Champion Dmitry Bivol will not fight with his trilogy game as planned in November. They have chosen to fight in Russia based on a certain date and venue.
New organizer, Russian payday
Mike coppinger reports that the Turks Alalshikh will not be involved. He created the first two Beterbiev-Bivol battles, both staged in Riyad, Saudi Arabia. Coppinger says another organizer has “promised them a lucrative salary days”.
It’s hard to imagine they can make more money than what the Turks would pay them. They were reported to earn $ 10 million for their two battles. Russia is the birthplace of Bivol and Beterbiev.
Bivol (24-1, 12 kos) still lives there. So, it makes sense that he wants it at home. He will not have to travel to Riyadh to get the trilogy.
BIVOL IBF Risk of titles
IBF is compulsory for Bivol against challenge Michael Eifert. Bivol was already deprived of his WBC title earlier this year, when he chose not to defend his compulsory David Benavidez. He could be taken away from his IBF belts if he did not defend the next one he may not do.
Bivola would still have two belts to defend against the trilogy of Beterbiev (21-1, 20 Kos). Given the popularity of both fighters and their achievements, it doesn’t matter if their third fight is not at game. Fans will still want to see them fight, especially in their hometown.
Fan fatigue with trilogy
US boxing fans wanted to see Beterbijev and Bivols behind the fight with each other and allow someone else to get a chance. It is not so interesting for people to see the same fighters battle three times without dealing with others. The trilogy games are in order, but not when the battles are in turn.
David Benavidez was of great interest to challenging the WBC title that Bivol had held when he became the mandatory of this belt. But instead of defending him, Bivol chose not to fight him and forced WBC to remove him. Some fans believe Bivol was afraid to lose Benavidez because he is a pressure fighter and has problems with these ways.
Last updated on 07.04.2025.
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