Bivol’s Leaning Career? Pisa Photo Highlights Undisputed Champion’s Absence and Financial Focus

The Dmitry Bivol vs. Artur Beterbiev 3 fight still has no confirmed date for their trilogy clash. Bivol (24-1, 12 KOs) reportedly is healing from the injuries he suffered in his rematch with Beterbiev (21-1, 20 KOs).

Money Over Legacy? Bivol’s Critics

Some fans believe that Bivol has cashed out, focusing on the big paydays he’s being given by Turki Alalshikh over fighting the contenders, like David Benavidez. It may have been a mistake for Turki to have financed the rematch and agreed to a trilogy.

The first fight told fans all they needed to know about who the better fighter was between them when Beterbiev defeated Bivol in a fight that looked like a classic Tom and Jerry match-up.

Initially, the trilogy was supposed to happen in August. Then it was moved to late autumn, and now it’s potentially being targeted for 2026. Beterbiev, 40, is tired of waiting for Bivol, and he suspects that he’s intentionally delaying the fight to age him more due to the punishment he endured in their first two fights.

People are becoming frustrated at Bivol’s delay in returning to the ring to defend against Artur. They want this rivalry over with to see Dmitry defend against other fighters, like David Benavidez and David Morrell.

Bivol vacated his WBC title recently when he was ordered to defend against ‘The Mexican Monster’ Benavidez. Now, Bivol has been ordered to defend against his IBF mandatory, Michael Eifort. He’ll likely be giving up that title too soon.

Pisa Photo’s Deeper Meaning

In a picture on DAZN today, Bivol was shown with his back against the leaning tower of Pisa in a marketing photo to keep interest from fans in his career, which has stalled since his second fight against Beterbiev.

Benavidez: The 175-lb King?

It’s going to require more than marketing to keep fans interested in Bivol’s career, as he’s being forgotten. The fighter that is now the uncrowned King of the 175-lb division in the eyes of the fans is David Benavidez. He hasn’t let money spoil his ambition.