Artur Beterbiev Frustrated Over Delays: Issues Statement on Potential Third Fight With Bivol

By Boxing Basement.

Unified light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev has broken his silence regarding ongoing speculation about a potential third clash with Dmitry Bivol. In a pointed and emotionally charged statement, the undefeated knockout artist voiced his frustration over the uncertainty surrounding the trilogy bout.

Beterbiev, who unified the division in their first meeting last October, addressed the mounting questions he’s received from fans:

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

The Road So Far

Their first bout in October was a historic one, as it crowned the first undisputed light heavyweight champion in decades. It marked the culmination of five years of efforts to unify the belts, a goal long sought after by both fighters. The match lived up to the billing, and despite undergoing surgery shortly after, Beterbiev agreed to a rematch just one day after the 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,” Beterbiev revealed.

That second fight took place under physically demanding conditions for Beterbiev, yet he remained focused and determined. Following it, he wasted no time expressing his desire for a trilogy.

Where’s the Third Fight?

Beterbiev’s statement hints at frustration over what he sees as a moving target. While early rumors suggested the third fight could take place in August, Bivol’s camp began suggesting later dates.

“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.”

The lack of clarity appears to be weighing on the 39-year-old champion, who is clearly eager to close the chapter with a definitive third meeting.

 “Dima, how old do I have to be so that we can fight for the third time?” he asked, ending his message with a veiled jab at the delays.

 What’s Next?

As of now, there is no official confirmation regarding the third fight. With Beterbiev recovering from a recent surgery and Bivol reportedly eyeing a return later this year, the path remains uncertain. But one thing is clear,  Beterbiev is ready and waiting.

The ongoing back-and-forth, injury delays, and scheduling hurdles are threatening to derail one of the most compelling rivalries in modern boxing. If the fight is delayed further, questions will intensify around whether it will ever happen at all,  and whether fans will be robbed of a true⁸ conclusion to this elite-level chess match of power and precision.

For now, the ball seems to be in Bivol’s court.