The Trilogy That Never Was: Bivol vs. Beterbiev and the Art of Boxing Politics
There’s something deeply frustrating about a fight that should happen but doesn’t. The boxing world has been clamoring for a third showdown between Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev, two light heavyweight titans whose first two encounters left fans breathless. Yet, here we are, watching the trilogy slip through our fingers like sand. Personally, I think this isn’t just about two fighters—it’s a microcosm of the broader issues plaguing boxing today: ego, money, and the tangled web of promotional interests.
The Fights That Captivated the World
Let’s start with what makes this rivalry so compelling. Bivol and Beterbiev’s first two bouts were masterclasses in skill and strategy. Beterbiev’s knockout power against Bivol’s technical precision created a narrative that felt almost Shakespearean. The first fight, in October 2024, saw Beterbiev emerge as the undisputed champion in a majority decision that left Bivol hungry for redemption. The rematch, just months later, flipped the script, with Bivol reclaiming the title in another razor-close decision. What makes this particularly fascinating is how these fights weren’t just about belts—they were about legacy.
The IBA’s Bold Move and Bivol’s Silence
Enter the International Boxing Association (IBA), which has been pushing hard to make the trilogy happen. IBA president Umar Kremlev has been vocal about his disappointment, claiming they offered Bivol double his previous purse. Beterbiev, according to Kremlev, would even fight for free. On the surface, this sounds like a no-brainer. But here’s where it gets interesting: Bivol’s camp has remained silent, and that silence speaks volumes.
In my opinion, Bivol’s reluctance isn’t just about money. It’s about control. After beating Beterbiev, Bivol vacated his WBC title rather than face mandatory challenger David Benavidez. Then, he underwent back surgery, took a tune-up fight against Michael Eifert, and now faces a WBO mandatory against Callum Smith. If you take a step back and think about it, Bivol seems to be playing the long game, carefully curating his path to maximize his legacy and earnings.
The Psychology of Legacy
What many people don’t realize is that fighters at this level aren’t just thinking about the next fight—they’re thinking about their place in history. Bivol, at 35, knows his time at the top is finite. A third loss to Beterbiev could tarnish his legacy, while a win against Smith or Benavidez could solidify his status as one of the greats. From my perspective, Bivol’s team is calculating every move, weighing risk against reward.
Beterbiev, on the other hand, is 41 and likely feels the clock ticking louder. His willingness to fight for free underscores his desperation to settle the score. But desperation in boxing can be a double-edged sword. It shows hunger, but it also reveals vulnerability.
The Broader Implications for Boxing
This saga raises a deeper question: Why is it so hard to make the fights fans want to see? Boxing has always been a sport of politics and egos, but the Bivol-Beterbiev situation feels particularly emblematic of its flaws. Promoters, sanctioning bodies, and fighters’ camps often have competing interests, and the fans are the ones who suffer.
One thing that immediately stands out is the role of the IBA in this drama. Kremlev’s insistence on making the fight happen is admirable, but it also highlights the power dynamics at play. The IBA’s involvement suggests a larger trend of boxing organizations trying to assert control in a fragmented landscape.
What This Really Suggests
If the trilogy never happens, it won’t just be a loss for the fans—it will be a missed opportunity for both fighters. Bivol risks being remembered as the man who avoided the challenge, while Beterbiev might retire with unfinished business. A detail that I find especially interesting is how this situation mirrors other great rivalries in boxing history that never got their third chapter. Think Gatti-Ward or Leonard-Durán—fights that defined careers but left us wondering what could have been.
The Future of the Light Heavyweight Division
Even if Bivol vs. Beterbiev III never materializes, the division is far from boring. Bivol’s potential matchup with Callum Smith could be a stylistic clash for the ages, while Beterbiev remains a force of nature. But let’s be honest: neither fight will carry the same weight as a trilogy bout.
Final Thoughts
As someone who’s followed boxing for decades, I’ve learned to temper my expectations. The sport is as much about what happens outside the ring as inside it. The Bivol-Beterbiev saga is a reminder that boxing is as much about storytelling as it is about punching. Whether the trilogy happens or not, this chapter will be remembered—not for what it gave us, but for what it took away.
Personally, I think the fight will happen eventually. The money, the legacy, the demand—it’s all too big to ignore. But until then, we’re left with speculation, frustration, and the haunting question: What if?
