The Beterbiev Trilogy Is On Hold, And Fans Want Bivol To Face Benavidez Instead

Unified three-belt light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol has reportedly returned to the ring for the first time since his back surgery in early August. His promoter, Eddie Hearn, said he would need 6 to 8 weeks to recover.

Bivol’s Injury Changes Everything

The trilogy fight that Bivol (24-1, 12 KOs), his fans, and the Saudis had hoped to happen against Artur Beterbiev is off for now due to Bivol’s back surgery. Beterbiev is scheduled to fight Deon Nicholson on November 22nd in Riyadh.

Another bout the public wants to see is Bivol, 34, battling WBC 175-lb champion David Benavidez for the undisputed light heavyweight championship. However, Benavidez is scheduled to defend against Anthony Yarde in the headliner on the November 22nd card at the ANB Arena in Riyadh, and he won’t be returning to the ring until 2026.

Bivol’s promoter, Hearn, reportedly prefers that he wait for the trilogy match against Beterbiev (21-1, 20 KOs) rather than face ‘The Mexican Monster’ Benavidez for the four belts.

Fans on social media would like to see Benavidez get a chance to fight Bivol first, as they’ve already seen back-to-back fights between him and Artur. The Saudis will be the ones to decide which of those two fights will take place.

Beterbiev’s Age a Concern

The risk of a fight between the young 28-year-old Benavidez and Bivol is that Benavidez could defeat Bivol, potentially tarnishing interest in a Bivol-Beterbiev trilogy match. Artur’s advancing age is another reason why the trilogy match must happen sooner rather than later. Beterbiev turns 41 on January 21, 2026, and his last two fights have shown that he’s beginning to slow down. His mobility and hand speed don’t appear as fast as it was five years ago in 2020.

The tactics that Dmitry used to defeat the former undisputed 175-lb champion Beterbiev by a 12-round majority decision earlier this year, on February 22, 2025, in Riyadh, could be less effective against Benavidez.

Bivol’s tactics that he used to defeat Beterbiev

• In and out movement
• Fast short burst combinations
• Tying up
• Jabbing
• Fighting defensively early
• Counter-punching
• Increasing the pace in later rounds

Benavidez’s Speed and Power

These tactics likely would be less effective against Davis Benavidez, as he possesses fast hands, throws speedy combinations, and cuts off the ring well. His mobility is excellent. So, the movement that Bivol employed to neutralize Beterbiev’s offense last February might prove less effective against Benavidez.