Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol were expected to meet in a trilogy fight this year.
The pair first met in October 2024, with Beterbiev winning by majority decision to become undisputed light-heavyweight champion.
An immediate rematch then took place in February, and this time it was Bivol who claimed the majority decision verdict to become undisputed champion in his own right.
Bivol has since vacated the WBC belt in order to take part in a trilogy with Beterbiev, but after initially being expected to happen by the end of 2025, it is currently unknown when the third meeting will occur.
Beterbiev has now taken to social media to reveal his stance on the matter, claiming that Bivol is delaying proceedings.
“I received hundreds of questions about the third fight, that’s why I decided to answer here.
“As you know, the first fight for the undisputed title took place in October last year. After five years of attempts to unify the belts, it was still successful. The day after the first 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.
“After the second fight, I immediately showed interest in an early third fight, and 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.
“Dima, how old do I have to be so that we can fight for the third time?”
Beterbiev is now 40, so it is clear why he wants the third fight with Bivol to take place sooner rather than later.
