Dmitry Bivol is weighing his options for his next fight after becoming the undisputed light heavyweight champion. The Russian boxer beat Artur Beterbiev in their rematch on February 22, winning by majority decision.
Bivol's victory over Beterbiev allowed him to capture all four belts in the 175-pound division. The rematch came after Bivol suffered his first career loss to Beterbiev in October 2023. Both fights gave fans 24 rounds of technically brilliant boxing.
Now, Bivol has to decide on his next move. He could complete a trilogy with Beterbiev or face David Benavidez, the WBC 'Interim' light heavyweight champion. Benavidez, who's unbeaten in 30 fights, recently outpointed David Morrell over 12 competitive rounds on February 1.
Eddie Hearn, Bivol's promoter, said the decision largely depends on Turki Alalshikh of Riyadh Season. Hearn explained:
"We are doing whatever His Excellency wants us to do for the next fight, I would expect that to be, because of how he dealt with Bivol v. Beterbiev 1, I would expect that to be the trilogy fight."
Hearn added that they're open to other options too:
"If His Excellency turns around and says 'We want you to fight David Benavidez', no problem. But we want to keep hold of all the belts, but if we have to lose one to follow His Excellency's plan for Dmitry Bivol, no problem as well."
Alalshikh has publicly said he's not interested in making Bivol defend against Benavidez. This stance might lead to Bivol giving up his undisputed status if he doesn't face his mandatory challenger next. Hearn mentioned they're willing to drop the WBC belt if needed to follow Alalshikh's plan.
The boxing world now waits to see what path Bivol will take for his next fight. Will he complete the trilogy with Beterbiev, face the undefeated Benavidez, or choose a different route altogether? The decision will shape the landscape of the light heavyweight division in the coming months.
