Hearn states offer for Bivol-Beterbiev 3 was never made.
Dmitry Bivol’s two fights with Artur Beterbiev in late 2024 and early 2025 provided boxing fans with some of the most competitive action at the world level of the sport that we have seen in some time.
Both men had very little difficulty with any of their previous opponents, so if it wasn’t obvious already that the two were the very best of the light-heavyweights, the nature of their two bouts proved it.
Both encounters were for the undisputed championship at 175 pounds, and despite both having an official winner, people in the sport still argue over the results.
Beterbiev officially won the first fight, but many thought Bivol should have gotten the result. Bivol officially gained revenge in the rematch, but there are those who gave it to Beterbiev.
Regardless, by the end of their second fight, it seemed a trilogy was the most logical option for both men. Only, over 18 months later, that has not occurred.
While Bivol returned this May to defeat Michael Eifert and will be facing Callum Smith in Russia this December, Beterbiev has yet to fight since his defeat to Bivol. And with Beterbiev being closer to 42 than 41, time is running out for the rubber match to be made.
But despite reports earlier this year, Eddie Hearn (who promotes Bivol) has now stated that there was never an offer for the fight to be made.
“It was never offered, by the way”, Hearn said to BoxingScene. “If there was an offer that was even remotely reasonable, the Callum Smith fight wouldn’t be happening.
“Dmitry Bivol would have vacated and fought Beterbiev, but I’m pleased that’s not the case, because Callum’s shot is long overdue and that’s [Bivol vs. Smith] a great fight.”
When asked of the reports that the IBA were set to stage the trilogy in Russia, Hearn replied, “We never received an offer or any communication from the IBA about that fight.”
However, when it came to Bivol vs. Smith, the Matchroom Boxing boss stated, “We’ll see who wins that fight, and I think the winner will fight [David] Benavidez or Beterbiev.”
Want to get the latest boxing news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.
