Bivol's journey to the top wasn't smooth. In October 2024, he lost to Beterbiev via majority decision. That fight stood out because Bivol became the first boxer to go the distance with the hard-hitting Beterbiev.
But Bivol didn't let that loss define him. He came back stronger in the rematch, winning via majority decision and claiming all four belts in the light-heavyweight division.
Now, fight fans are eager to see what's next for the new undisputed champion. A trilogy fight with Beterbiev is possible, and fans wouldn't complain about seeing these two warriors go at it again.
There's also talk about Bivol facing David Benavidez, the WBC mandatory challenger. Benavidez, a former super-middleweight world champion, has fought twice at 175 pounds and deserves a fresh world title shot after chasing Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez without success.
An interesting twist to the Bivol-Benavidez storyline came from film director Peter Berg. On the Joe Rogan Experience, Berg initially claimed:
"Dmitry trains in our gym. The hardest punch I've ever seen anybody throw in my life was in our gym. David Benavidez was sparring him and Bivol caught Benavidez and dropped him with a jab in sparring."
However, Berg later retracted his statement:
"I have to retract something that I said because I was wrong. I said Bivol dropped Benavidez at Churchill Boxing Club with a jab, I remembered it wrong, it was Benavidez that dropped Bivol. I don't know why I remembered it wrong but I did, and I suspected actually when I was saying it that I was wrong, but it was Benavidez that dropped Bivol, straight up, with an incredible jab."
Berg's connection to boxing goes beyond just being a fan. He opened Matchroom Churchill Boxing Gym with promoter Eddie Hearn, giving him a unique insight into the sport.
Despite the WBC order and the clash of styles that fans would love to see, there's a wrinkle in making the Bivol-Benavidez fight happen. Turki Alalshikh, who organized Bivol's two fights with Beterbiev, has said he's no longer interested in making this match.
Whatever happens next, Bivol's recent victory has cemented his place at the top of the light-heavyweight division. The boxing world will be watching closely to see who he faces next.