Dmitry Bivol declined a massive purse offer for a third showdown with Artur Beterbiev on 12 Jul 2026, according to IBA President Umar Kremlev. The champion, who reclaimed the undisputed light‑heavyweight crown in May, is now being linked to a potential fight with Callum Smith.
Why did Bivol turn down the offer?
Kremlev told *The Ring* that Bivol was offered twice the money he earned for the first two Beterbiev fights, yet his camp has not signed. The president suggested Bivol’s team may be hunting other market options, but gave no concrete reason. Bivol’s recent win over Michael Eifert in May kept him active while Beterbiev stayed idle for 17 months.
What does the rejected deal look like?
The proposal reportedly doubled the purse from the October 2024 and May 2025 meetings, with Beterbiev willing to fight for free to make the bout happen. Kremlev said the fight could be staged for 100,000 fans in Russia or elsewhere, emphasizing the commercial upside. No written contract has surfaced, and Bivol’s representatives remain silent.
How does this affect Bivol’s next steps?
With the trilogy on hold, rumors point to a clash with Liverpool‑born Callum Smith, who is recovering from elbow surgery. If that bout materialises, it could push any Beterbiev rematch into mid‑2027. Bivol’s camp appears to favor fresh challenges over a repeat with a rival who has already been beaten.
What does this mean for the light‑heavyweight division?
Bivol’s decision keeps the undisputed titles in his hands while leaving fans hungry for a definitive answer to the Bivol‑Beterbiev rivalry. The division’s landscape stays fluid, with other contenders watching closely. Should Bivol face Smith, the winner could become the next logical challenger for Beterbiev when he finally returns.