International Boxing Association president Umar Kremlev says Dmitry Bivol’s team rejected an offer that would have paid the undisputed light heavyweight champion twice as much as he earned for his first two fights with Artur Beterbiev.
Kremlev said that the IBA has continued trying to secure a third fight between the rivals and insists Beterbiev’s side has already agreed.
“The offer we made to Bivol for the third fight was considerably bigger than the first two fights,” Kremlev said to The Ring. “Specifically, Bivol was given two times a bigger offer than in previous fights. Beterbiev will fight for free just to make this fight happen.”
Kremlev said negotiations have been ongoing for months but claimed Bivol’s team continues to look elsewhere despite multiple written offers.
“We’ve made really good offers in writing,” Kremlev said. “But unfortunately, Bivol’s team is still waiting for something. Bivol appears ready for the fight, but his team is thinking.
“As far as I can see, it looks like they are looking for other opportunities and options in the market. Beterbiev gave Bivol a rematch, and Bivol should do the same.”
The trilogy has stalled since Bivol defeated Beterbiev by majority decision in February 2025 to avenge his lone professional defeat and regain the undisputed light heavyweight championship. Bivol later vacated the WBC title rather than face mandatory challenger David Benavidez, underwent back surgery, and returned in May with a unanimous decision win over Michael Eifert.
Earlier this week, the WBO ordered Bivol to begin negotiations with mandatory challenger Callum Smith, with both sides given until July 26 to reach an agreement. If that fight moves forward, Beterbiev is expected to take another bout before any trilogy can be revisited.
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Last Updated on 2026/07/13 at 3:35 AM
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