Full Breakdown
Dmitry Bivol’s Title Decision: Defend the WBO or Pursue a Trilogy Rematch?
6/8/2026, 9:49:08 PM
Bivol’s Immediate Choice – Defend the WBO or Vacate
Unified WBA, WBO and IBF light-heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol must decide whether to defend his WBO belt against interim champion Callum Smith or relinquish it to chase a third fight with former undisputed champion Artur Beterbiev. A bout with David Benavidez, the WBC light-heavyweight champion who also holds the unified cruiserweight titles, is also being floated.
Recent History and Title Landscape
Bivol was stripped of his WBC strap last year after opting for a trilogy with Beterbiev. After a back-injury halted the first two meetings, Bivol returned last month with a lopsided decision over IBF mandatory Michael Eifert. Beterbiev, who outpointed Bivol in October 2024, lost the undisputed light-heavyweight crown to Bivol in their February rematch. Since then, Beterbiev has publicly demanded a rubber match, while Benavidez’s camp reportedly withdrew from a previously agreed fight with Beterbiev.
Principal Actors
- Dmitry Bivol – Russian champion holding the WBA, WBO and IBF belts.
- Artur Beterbiev – 41-year-old former undisputed champion, currently ranked No. 1 by the WBO.
- Callum Smith – British interim WBO champion, promoted by Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing.
- David Benavidez – Mexican WBC light-heavyweight champion and unified cruiserweight titleholder.
- Eddie Hearn – Matchroom Boxing promoter overseeing Bivol’s contractual options.
Timeline of Key Developments
- October 2024 – Beterbiev defeats Bivol on points.
- February 2024 – Bivol wins the rematch, regaining undisputed status.
- Last month – Bivol defeats Michael Eifert by decision.
- Recent WBO order – Bivol must face Callum Smith or vacate the title.
- Current week – Bivol’s camp expected to announce the next opponent.
Numbers at a Glance
- Bivol holds three major belts (WBA, WBO, IBF).
- Beterbiev is 41 and ranked No. 1 by the WBO; Joshua Buatsi sits at No. 2.
- Benavidez is a three-weight world champion and holds unified cruiserweight titles.
- Smith would be elevated to full WBO champion if Bivol vacates.
Stakes for the Division
The decision will shape the path to an undisputed light-heavyweight champion. A Bivol-Beterbiev trilogy could cement a historic rivalry, while a Bivol-Smith defense would crown a new full-belt holder. A Bivol-Benavidez clash would link the light-heavyweight and cruiserweight crowns, potentially reshaping future unification talks.
Official Statements & Responses
Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn said Bivol “wants the biggest fights in the sport” and that “the decision will be made in the coming weeks.” Hearn added that interest in a Beterbiev fight is high in Russia and that both Benavidez and Smith are viable options; if Bivol vacates, Smith will be elevated to full champion.
Artur Beterbiev asserted that Benavidez’s team “backed out” of a previously agreed bout and criticized Benavidez’s style as “dirty” with “questions about some of his victories.” He also emphasized his personal approach to opponent selection, stating he “will box, I will not, I will choose my opponents.”
Criticism & Opposition
Beterbiev’s remarks cast doubt on Benavidez’s legitimacy, describing his boxing as “dirty” and suggesting his team’s indecision reflects broader instability in matchmaking. Fans have expressed a preference for a Bivol-Benavidez showdown, yet no statement from Benavidez’s camp confirms or refutes Beterbiev’s claim.
Verbatim Quotes
- “[It shouldn't be long, because obviously [Bivol's] finished his fight now and we need to make sure that we move forward with the plans,” — Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Boxing promoter
- “There's a lot of interest in the Beterbiev fight in Russia, it's a fight that's important to Dmitry.” — Eddie Hearn
- “He’s already a three-weight world champion, but his boxing is dirty and, of course, there are questions about some of his victories.” — Artur Beterbiev, light-heavyweight champion
- “Apparently, his team didn’t expect me to agree so quickly, so they immediately changed their mind and chose [Zurdo] Ramirez.” — Artur Beterbiev
- “That was a year ago, in general, this has become the norm in boxing – I will box, I will not, I will choose my opponents – I like this one and I don’t like that one.” — Artur Beterbiev
What’s Next
The WBO will issue an official order for a Bivol-Smith fight unless Bivol vacates the title. A decision is expected within weeks, after which negotiations for a potential Bivol-Beterbiev third bout—or a Bivol-Benavidez clash—will intensify. The outcome will determine the next step toward an undisputed light-heavyweight champion.
