Dmitry Bivol’s Decision to Delay Major Bout
Dmitry Bivol has revealed the reasons behind his recent decision to delay what many considered the most significant bout of his boxing career. Sharing a detailed video on social media, the unified light heavyweight champion provided a glimpse into his rigorous rehabilitation process following surgery to address a long-standing back injury. In his post, Bivol, appearing noticeably leaner, stated, “Every rep, every sweat is fuel for my return to the ring in 2026. The road to recovery ain’t easy, but I’m all in.”
Uncertainty Surrounding Bivol vs. Beterbiev Trilogy
This open acknowledgment of his struggles comes amidst growing uncertainty regarding the future of Bivol’s much-anticipated third match against Artur Beterbiev. Fans have been eagerly awaiting the third chapter in their rivalry, which has captivated boxing enthusiasts since their initial encounter. The two fighters are currently tied at one win apiece, with each bout decided by a narrow margin. Beterbiev secured a victory in their first meeting in October 2024, closely followed by Bivol’s win in February 2025, a clash that showcased the elite skills of both fighters.
The anticipation for a decisive third fight this year has been thwarted by Bivol’s medical issues, which led to the necessity of his surgery. The champion elaborated on his condition, saying, “Following my doctor’s advice, I had to undergo surgery for a past back injury, which I’ve been dealing with for over ten years, but it kept getting worse with each training camp. Everything went well, and I’m feeling much better already. A six- to eight-week recovery period lies ahead, after which I plan to resume training. Thank you all for your support. I look forward to new challenges in the next year!”
Implications for Title Defenses and Rivalry
Bivol’s rehabilitation carries significant implications beyond his personal health. The International Boxing Federation (IBF) has informed World Boxing News that they have yet to receive an official medical exemption from the champion, which could have consequences for his title defenses. Michael Eifert, who is mandated to challenge for Bivol’s title, is reportedly becoming increasingly restless. If an exception is not granted, Eifert may have the opportunity to fight for the title that Bivol currently holds.
Beterbiev has not shied away from expressing his frustration regarding the postponement of their trilogy, suggesting that Bivol might be dodging their inevitable rematch.
“We were offered great conditions, which were almost impossible to refuse. For my part, I did everything to make the third fight happen, but my opponent chose the path of retreat again,”
Beterbiev stated.
Commitment to Recovery and Future Challenges
Despite the brewing tensions, insiders emphasize that this delay is not a tactic to evade a formidable opponent. Both Bivol and Beterbiev have engaged in two extraordinarily taxing matches, making it paramount for both fighters to focus on recovery. Bivol’s recent video emphatically demonstrates his commitment to returning to the ring fit and ready.
As he eyes a comeback in 2026, Bivol’s dedication reflects not only his personal resilience but also his desire to solidify his place among the light heavyweight greats. The anticipated bout against Beterbiev stands as a potentially landmark event for Russian boxing and the sport as a whole, with notable figures like Turki Alalshikh seemingly backing the production and media arrangement for the anticipated showdown.
Meanwhile, boxing fans can keep an eye on Beterbiev as he prepares to face Deon Nicholson on November 22 in Riyadh, a bout that may also serve as an inflection point in the ongoing rivalry.
Written by Phil Jay, who boasts over 15 years of experience in boxing journalism and has been the Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News since 2010. Jay has covered numerous high-profile events and conducted interviews with many world champions, providing a seasoned perspective on the fight scene.
