Dmitry Kirillov, the coach of the absolute WBA light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol, shared his protégé's plans. In a recent interview, he stated that the anticipated trilogy with Artur Beterbiev will be completed.
Bivol's coach clarified the details of the expected fight with Beterbiev, which is one of the most anticipated events in boxing. In his interview for the publication Betonmobile, he confirmed that the third meeting will take place, but with an important clarification:
“The third fight between Dima and Artur will happen, but not immediately after the fight with Aifert. However, changes are possible.”
It is important to note that Bivol's next opponent will be the mandatory challenger according to the IBF — German Michael Aifert. Their bout is scheduled for spring 2026.
Dmitry Bivol (24-1) became the absolute champion after defeating Beterbiev (20-1) in a rematch in February 2025, but soon lost the WBC title. After that, he underwent back surgery and did not return to the ring. Artur Beterbiev also has not fought since his defeat and is waiting for a chance to complete the trilogy.
Kostya Tszyu commented on Bivol's intention to return to the ring in April. This was reported by the boxer's manager Vadim Kornilov in an interview with The Ring.
It is expected that Bivol's next opponent will be the mandatory challenger according to the IBF, German Michael Aifert (13-1, 5 KO).
“I hear the opponent's name for the first time, so it's hard to say anything about him. The name is not very well-known. Nevertheless, for recovery and the first fight after the injury — this is a suitable opponent. What will happen next? Let's not make predictions, but I think he will be able to step into some major fight: perhaps it will be the trilogy with Beterbiev or a meeting with Benavidez,” Tszyu noted in an exclusive interview with correspondent Ivan Permyakov from "Sovsport".
The well-known American portal ESPN updated its ranking of the best boxers in the world, regardless of weight class.
The ranking is compiled on a descending system: the boxer in the first position receives 10 points, the second — 9 points, and so on.
ESPN's ranking of the best boxers in the world as of January 17
1. Oleksandr Usyk (24-0).
2. Naoya Inoue (32-0).
3. Dmitry Bivol (24-1).
4. Jesse Rodriguez (23-0).
5. Artur Beterbiev (21-1).
6. David Benavidez (31-0).
7. Shakur Stevenson (24-0).
8. Junto Nakatani (32-0).
9. Devin Haney (33-0).
10. Teofimo Lopez Jr. (22-1).
