Dmitry Kirillov clarified the details regarding one of the most anticipated boxing matches — the third meeting between Bivol and Beterbiev. In a conversation with the publication Betonmobile, the trainer stated that the fight will take place, but specified that it will not happen immediately after the bout with Aifert:
“The third fight between Dima and Arthur is planned, but not before the fight with Aifert. Although, perhaps, everything will change.”
Let us remind you that Bivol's next opponent will be the German boxer Michael Aifert, who is the mandatory challenger according to the IBF. Their meeting is scheduled for spring 2026.
Dmitry Bivol (24-1) became the undisputed champion after defeating Beterbiev (20-1) in a rematch in February 2025, but soon lost the WBC title. After that, he underwent back surgery and has not stepped into the ring. Arthur Beterbiev also has not fought since that defeat and is waiting for the opportunity to complete the trilogy.
Kostya Tszyu commented on Bivol's intention to return to the ring in April. This was reported by the boxer's manager Vadim Kornilov in an interview with The Ring.
Bivol's next opponent will be the mandatory challenger according to the IBF, Michael Aifert (13-1, 5 KO).
“I’m hearing about the opponent for the first time, it’s hard to say anything about him. He has a small name. For recovery after an injury — this is a good choice. What will happen next? Let’s not predict, but perhaps he will meet Beterbiev or Benavidez in a big fight,” Tszyu noted in an exclusive interview with correspondent Ivan Permyakov from “Sovsport.”
The American portal ESPN updated the ranking of the best boxers in the world regardless of weight class.
The ranking is formed based on a system where the boxer in first place receives 10 points, second place gets 9 points, and so on.
ESPN's ranking of the best boxers in the world as of January 17
1. Alexander Usyk (24-0).
2. Naoya Inoue (32-0).
3. Dmitry Bivol (24-1).
4. Jesse Rodriguez (23-0).
5. Arthur Beterbiev (21-1).
6. David Benavidez (31-0).
7. Shakur Stevenson (24-0).
8. Junto Nakatani (32-0).
9. Devin Haney (33-0).
10. Teofimo Lopez Jr. (22-1).
