Beterbiev Turns Free Agent, Eyes 2026 Bivol Trilogy

By Graham Ilford: Artur Beterbiev announced today that he’s a free agent after his contract with Top Rank expired in June 2025. He’d been with Top Rank from 2019 to 2025.

Matchroom Moves Into Position

The former undisputed light heavyweight champion Beterbiev (21-1, 20 KOs) hasn’t said which promotional company he’ll sign with next. Matchroom is reportedly the frontrunner for the next promoter of 2012 Olympian Beterbiev.

PBC is also in the running. However, with Beterbiev turning 41 on January 21, 2026, and with 2-3 fights left in his career, remaining a free agent would also be an option. Bererbiev is expected to fight a trilogy match against IBF, WBA, and WBO light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol in early 2026. The two Russia-born fighters are 1-1 after two fights.

Why Free Agency Makes Sense Now

It makes sense that Beterbiev has chosen not to re-sign with op Top Rank. The Bob Arum-owned company lost its broadcast deal with ESPN in August 2025 after an eight-year run from 2017. With no word on when or if Top Rank will secure a new broadcast deal, it’s understandable why Beterbiev chose to go the free agent route rather than re-signing, if there was even an option to do so.

Hi everyone. From this June I’m a free agent. My contract with TopRank expired. I’m grateful for all these years with TopRank and want to thank them for the opportunities they gave me. I want everyone, who follow and support me, to know that I believe — the best fights are ahead. pic.twitter.com/4lABHvp0wW

— Artur Beterbiev (@ABeterbiev) November 6, 2025

Injury Streak That Stalled Momentum

Beterbiev was supposed to fight against Deon Nicholson on the undercard of David Benavidez vs. Anthony Yarde event on November 22, 2025, at the ANB Arena in Riyadh. However, Beterbiev suffered an injury and needed to he pulled from the card.

Beterbiev’s injury problems since 2020

• Unknown – wiped out November 22, 2025, against Deon Nicholson
• Ruptured Meniscus (Knee Surgery) (2024)
• Bone Infection (Dental Surgery Complication) – 2023
• Rib/Shoulder Injury – 2020

Veteran boxing columnist Graham Ilford brings dry humor and long-earned perspective to the sport.