The story of the trilogy: why Bivol gave up one of the championship belts

Dmitry Bivol stopped being the absolute world champion — he gave up the WBC (World Boxing Council) belt. This information was officially confirmed by the president of the organization, Mauricio Suleiman, who announced that he had received a notification from Bivol's lawyer, wished Dmitry success and announced David Benavidez as the new WBC light heavyweight champion. The reason for giving up the belt is obvious and not hidden by anyone — Bivol does not want to fight Benavidez, which Suleiman's organization demanded so persistently and as soon as possible. The 34-year—old Russian's main goal is rest and high-quality preparation for his third fight with Artur Beterbiev.

Another priority

This follows from a letter from the lawyer of the Russian boxer Patrick English to the president of the WBC that got online.: "Mr. Bivol found himself in a situation in which he was forced to give up the belt... Everyone in boxing knows that there is an important commitment to have a third fight with Beterbiev. We are working to make it happen," the document says.

In addition, in the letter, English urged Suleiman to respect the rules. The WBC ordered Bivol to fight Benavidez immediately after Dmitry's victory over Beterbiev in February 2025. At the same time, according to the rotation system, the IBF (International Boxing Federation) could be the first to request protection, and then the WBO (World Boxing Organization).

Earlier in an interview with SE, Bivol prioritized the upcoming fights, putting a possible meeting with Benavidez not in the first place.

— You know, I'm in such a state that I'm recovering a little, — said Dmitry. — I spend my time enjoying life with my children, parents, and friends. And I'm not really thinking about fighting yet. But I understand that a trilogy awaits me (with Beterbiev. — Izvestia). She's sitting in my head, I need to close this issue. And there are also potential fights with Saul Canelo and David Benavidez. Canelo's side and the organizers from Saudi Arabia have stated several times that they are interested in such a fight. That's why I had a feeling somewhere that it was possible.

Benavides, however, was disappointed by this development.

"I just found out that Bivol decided to release the belt instead of our fight,— The Ring quoted The boxer as saying. — This is not an ideal way for me to get a title, but nevertheless now I am the light heavyweight champion of the world. I intend to arrange the best fights.

The 28-year-old Benavidez remains an undefeated fighter with 30 wins to his credit, 24 of them by knockout. In February 2025, David became the WBA regular champion, defeating David Morell.

The only correct one

The trilogy with Beterbiev really looks preferable for everyone, since the last two fights were both equal and interesting. The first fight took place in October 2024 in Saudi Arabia and lasted all 12 rounds, as a result of which the judges gave the victory to Arthur. — 114:114, 115:113, 116:112.

The return match took place in February 2025 in the same country, but Bivol was already stronger. — 114:114, 116:112, 115:113. By the decision of the majority of judges, he became the absolute world champion.

Now the Russian is no longer an "absolute": at the moment he is the WBA, WBO, IBF, The Ring, IBO light heavyweight champion (up to 79.2 kg).

"It's a pity that the belt is going away, and the third fight between Bivol and Beterbiev will not be for the absolute world champion," former world heavyweight champion Denis Lebedev told Izvestia. — But Dmitry made the only correct and, I emphasize, masculine decision. Beterbiev made the same decision when he gave Dmitry the opportunity to rematch earlier. Russia will appreciate it. I think that the third Bivol-Beterbiev fight will be interesting, like the previous ones.

According to Lebedev, it is now more important for Dmitry to put an end to the confrontation with Beterbiev. And Bivol will manage to get together with the same Benavides later. At the same time, the Russian boxer lost serious money, which makes him doubly honored.

— Bivol earned $2.7 million for a rematch against Beterbiev, we offered him $8 million for a fight with David Benavidez. Therefore, it was a great opportunity for Bivol," Suleiman told Tha Boxing Voice.

According to a number of sources, the third match between the Russian boxers may take place in October 2025 in Saudi Arabia. Although IBA President Umar Kremlev has spoken several times about the possibility of organizing this fight in Russia.

"Hypothetically speaking, it would be great to arrange this in St. Petersburg, where I live," Bivol told Izvestia. — It's always nice to have a fight at home. I want my fans to see it. But I don't know if it's realistic to bring the fight to Russia in the current situation.

Dmitry has 24 wins (12 by knockout) and one defeat in the professional ring.