IBA President Is Hoping To Stage Bivol Vs. Beterbiev Ultimately This Year

🎗 10

The world of boxing is buzzing with anticipation as the International Boxing Association (IBA) President, Umar Kremlev, has expressed his desire to stage a third fight between Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev in Moscow, Russia. This potential trilogy bout would be a historic moment for the sport, given the fighters’ intense rivalry and the significance of hosting such a monumental event in their homeland.

Bivol and Beterbiev currently stand as two of the most dominant light-heavyweight fighters in boxing. With both warriors having secured a victory over the other, a third fight would serve as the ultimate decider for supremacy in the division. But will this fight actually happen in Russia? What are the logistical, political, and financial challenges that could arise?

Let’s break down everything we know about the proposed Bivol vs. Beterbiev III, Kremlev’s vision, and what this fight could mean for the sport of boxing.

The Bivol-Beterbiev Rivalry: A Look Back

First Fight—October 2024: Beterbiev’s Victory

The first encounter between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol was one for the ages. Taking place in Las Vegas, Nevada, the fight was a battle of power versus precision.

Beterbiev, known for his relentless knockout power, won the fight via TKO in the 10th round, establishing himself as the most dangerous puncher in the light-heavyweight division.
Bivol, despite losing, showcased his signature footwork and technical mastery, making it a competitive and thrilling match.

Second Fight—February 2025: Bivol’s Revenge

The rematch was set for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as part of a growing trend of high-profile boxing events being hosted in the Middle East. This time, Bivol came prepared.

He executed a perfect tactical game plan, utilizing superior movement and defensive skills to outpoint Beterbiev over 12 rounds.
Bivol won by majority decision (114-114, 116-112, 115-113), becoming the undisputed light-heavyweight champion in the process.

With both fighters now holding one victory each, the demand for a trilogy fight was inevitable.

IBA President Umar Kremlev’s Ambitious Plan

Why Moscow?

Umar Kremlev, the President of the International Boxing Association (IBA), has been vocal about his desire to bring the trilogy fight to Moscow, Russia, specifically at the historic Luzhniki Stadium—one of the largest stadiums in Europe with a seating capacity of nearly 100,000 people.

According to Kremlev:

“I envision Bivol vs. Beterbiev III at Luzhniki Stadium, packed with nearly 100,000 spectators. This is a fight that deserves to happen in Russia, where both fighters have their roots.”

Hosting the fight in Moscow would be a symbolic homecoming for both Bivol and Beterbiev, as both men have Russian origins, despite Beterbiev now representing Canada professionally.

Logistical and Political Challenges

While the idea of a mega-fight in Moscow is intriguing, several challenges must be addressed:

Sanctions and Geopolitical Issues Due to ongoing geopolitical tensions, staging an international boxing event in Russia could face sanctions and restrictions from Western boxing organizations and sponsors.
Fighter Agreements: Both Bivol and Beterbiev will need to agree to fight in Russia, considering factors like security, financial incentives, and contract negotiations.
Broadcasting Rights: Major sports networks such as DAZN, ESPN, and Sky Sports may be hesitant to broadcast an event in Russia, which could impact global viewership and revenue.
Safety and Travel Ensuring the safety of international fighters, promoters, and fans traveling to Moscow will be a critical concern.

Despite these challenges, Kremlev is determined to push forward with negotiations to make this fight happen.

How the Fighters Feel About the Trilogy Fight

Dmitry Bivol’s Perspective

As the current undisputed lightweight champion, Bivol is in a position of power.

He has expressed interest in cementing his legacy by winning the trilogy.
However, he may prefer a neutral venue, such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, or even London, to avoid political controversies.
Financially, Bivol will want a lucrative deal to agree to fight in Russia, considering the risks involved.

Artur Beterbiev’s Mindset

Beterbiev, at 40, is aware that time is running out for him to reclaim the undisputed title.

Given his aggressive style, he thrives on pressure and will likely be eager for redemption.
Fighting in Moscow would be a career-defining moment, potentially giving him a home crowd advantage.
However, he may have contractual obligations with Top Rank and ESPN, which could complicate negotiations.

Both fighters have reasons to accept or reject the Moscow proposal, making negotiations a crucial factor in determining whether this trilogy happens.

The Global Impact of Bivol vs. Beterbiev III

A Must-Watch Fight for Boxing Fans

Boxing has seen legendary trilogy over the years, including:

Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier
Arturo Gatti vs. Micky Ward
Canelo Álvarez vs. Gennady Golovkin

The Bivol-Beterbiev rivalry has the potential to join these historic matchups, given the clashing styles of both fighters—Bivol’s technical brilliance versus Beterbiev’s raw power.

Boosting Russian Boxing

If this fight happens in Moscow, it would:

Put Russian boxing on the global map, inspiring a new generation of fighters.
Attract massive sponsorships and investments, strengthening Russia’s presence in professional boxing.
Increase fan engagement, with potential for record-breaking attendance at Luzhniki Stadium.

Financial and Pay-Per-View (PPV) Potential

Despite the political challenges, a trilogy fight of this magnitude could generate:

Over $50 million in PPV revenue
A live gate of $10+ million, depending on ticket prices and stadium capacity
Sponsorship deals from international and Russian brands

While hosting it in Russia might limit some revenue streams, the financial incentives could still be significant.

Conclusion: Will the Fight Happen in Russia?

While IBA President Umar Kremlev is optimistic about staging Bivol vs. Beterbiev III in Moscow, the reality is far more complex.

Fighters’ willingness to fight in Russia remains uncertain.
Geopolitical and financial barriers could prevent international participation.
A neutral venue like Dubai, London, or Riyadh may be more likely.

However, if Kremlev succeeds in securing agreements and overcoming logistical issues, this fight could go down as one of the greatest boxing trilogies of all time—with the final battle taking place on Russian soil.

Until an official announcement is made, fans will eagerly wait to see whether Bivol vs. Beterbiev III truly finds its home in Moscow or if the fight will take place elsewhere. One thing is certain—this is the fight that the boxing world wants to see!