Boxing
Roy Jones Jr. trains Errol Spence Jr. while returning to Dallas
Undisputed lithe heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol could pursue a rematch with Canelo Alvarez or a fight with David Benavidez once he finishes his current duties in the division.
Bivol’s manager, Vadim Kornilov, outlined the champion’s preferred path in comments provided by Dan Rafael, explaining that Bivol intends to first pursue a mandatory IBF defense and then return to competing with Artur Beterbiev.
He is expected to have a mandatory defense against Michael Eifert this spring. The fight was scheduled for May 23 at a gala headlined by unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
After fulfilling this obligation, Bivol’s team wants to immediately start the third fight with Beterbiev. Their rivalry produced two closely watched fights, leaving unfinished business between two fighters who have dominated the lithe heavyweight division for the past several years and built one of the most respected rivalries in the sport.
More intriguing possibilities emerge after this trilogy. Rafael reported that Bivola’s camp sees a second fight with Canelo as one of the main options still available to the champion. Bivol defeated Alvarez by unanimous decision in 2022, handing the Mexican star one of the clearest defeats of his career.
Another potential opponent in question is Benavidez, who has moved up to lithe heavyweight and has been seeking a chance to fight the top fighters in the division. The fight between Bivol and Benavidez will pit the undefeated Mexican-American challenger against a champion who currently holds four major division titles.
Kornilov also suggested that Bivol could eventually prove himself at cruiserweight, although such an idea appears to be more of a long-term possibility than an immediate plan for the undefeated champion.
For now, the plan of action remains straightforward: fulfill the IBF mandate against Eifert, complete the trilogy with Beterbiev, and then fight one of the most crucial fights that could decide the final stage of Bivol’s career.
Click here to sign up for our FREE newsletter
Related boxing news:
Last update: 2026/03/10 at 16:34
Boxing
Jai Opetai’s undisputed dream lives on as the IBF releases a fresh statement regarding the status of the title
“It’s analyzing how the system works on this side of the wall, in the States, and then it will make its own move,” Nelson told iFL TV. “He only wants one belt.”
Turki Alalshikh has already become one of boxing’s most influential financial sponsors thanks to his involvement in major events. The chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority has helped finance several high-profile fights by working with promoters across the sport.
Nelson believes this approach could ultimately influence how the championship is organized.
For decades, boxing titles were distributed among several sanctioning bodies, with each group recognizing its own champion in the same weight class. The result is multiple belts in one category and constant debate about who is actually at the top.
Nelson indicated that Turki’s long-term interest may include simplifying this structure.
“He’s just sorting out all his ducks,” Nelson said. “He understands how everyone works.”
Turki has already shown a willingness to work with various promoters and networks in supporting major fight cards in Saudi Arabia. His involvement has helped unite fighters and promoters who often operate in separate business paths.
These partnerships included collaborations with competing promoters and broadcasters that had historically operated separately. The Saudi-backed substantial cards also attracted fighters from several promotional groups to the same event.
Nelson sees the current period as preparation for a bigger game.
Another question is whether a single-lane system could ever be implemented. The four main sanctioning bodies would continue to exist and their titles would continue to be recognized unless broadcasters chose to ignore them.
This kind of change would likely require networks like DAZN to focus exclusively on events built around the Ring Belt. For now, such a scenario seems arduous to imagine.
Turki has already become one of the main financial figures of sport. Turki has the resources to influence boxing, but turning a four-belt sport into a one-belt system would be a completely different fight.
Dmitry Bivol is targeting a fight with Canelo Alvarez or David Benavidez
Papoose REACTS to Claressa Shields DOMINATING Franchon Crews-Dezurn
‘THIS WONT END WELL FOR DANIEL DUBOIS’ – Duke McKenzie BREAKS DOWN Wardley Title Defence
Pacquiao vs marquez competition: History of violence
Dmitry Menshikov statement in the February fight
Stephen Fulton Jr. becomes world champion in two weight by means of a decision
Papoose REACTS to Claressa Shields DOMINATING Franchon Crews-Dezurn
‘THIS WONT END WELL FOR DANIEL DUBOIS’ – Duke McKenzie BREAKS DOWN Wardley Title Defence
“I DON’T MEAN TO BE DISRESPECTFUL, BUT..” – Josh Taylor On Conor Benn vs “FINISHED” Regis Prograis
-
Opinions & Features1 year agoPacquiao vs marquez competition: History of violence
-
MMA1 year agoDmitry Menshikov statement in the February fight
-
Results1 year agoStephen Fulton Jr. becomes world champion in two weight by means of a decision
-
Results1 year agoKeyshawn Davis Ko’s Berinchyk, when Xander Zayas moves to 21-0
-
Video1 year agoFrank Warren on Derek Chisora vs Otto Wallin – ‘I THOUGHT OTTO WOULD GIVE DEREK PROBLEMS!’
-
Analysis11 months agoRobert Garcia discusses the debate on the greatest Mexican warrior in history
-
Video1 year ago‘DEREK CHISORA RETIRE TONIGHT!’ – Anthony Yarde PLEADS for retirement after WALLIN
-
Results1 year agoLive: Catterall vs Barboza results and results card