Sean Zittel says sources expect Beterbiev’s third fight with Bivol to take place in Russia, not Saudi Arabia

According to reporter Sean Zittel, the third fight between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol may take place in Russia, not Saudi Arabia. Zittel says sources familiar with the ongoing discussions expect the trilogy fight to be backed by Russian boxing officials if the rivals attempt another championship fight.

“Betterbiev and Bivol will probably push through the trilogy in Russia without Turki’s involvement and without funding from Saudi Arabia. Umar Kremlev and the Russian boxing federation that runs the IBA will do it,” Zittel said. “This is what will probably be pushed through, and the next one will be Beterbiev-Bivol 3 in Russia.”

The reports come amid a broader discussion about David Benavidez’s future and why his team is considering alternative options at both featherlight heavyweight and cruiserweight.

According to Zittel, Benavidez’s team believes Bivol remains its preferred target. However, if Bivol and Beterbiev go for a third fight, the path to the fight could be closed for the rest of the year.

Zittel also said Jose Benavidez Sr. has asked the WBC to make David Benavidez the mandatory challenger to cruiserweight champion Noel Mikaelian, giving his son another path to the title if top featherlight heavyweight fights remain unavailable.

“Their number one and two options are Bivol for the title and then Beterbiev if they can’t get Bivol. But if they fight each other, then you go to cruiserweight for the WBC belt,” Zittel said, recalling talks with Jose Benavidez Sr.

Neither Beterbiev nor Bivol have officially announced plans for a trilogy fight. The two rivals had split their previous encounters, with Beterbiev winning the first fight before Bivol took revenge in the rematch.

Tomek Galm is a boxing journalist covering the global fight landscape since 2014, specializing in heavyweight analysis, industry trends and fighter psychology.

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Last updated: 31/05/2026 at 23:56

David Benavidez may be approaching an vital crossroads in his career. Sean Zittel has revealed that David Benavidez only has one fight left with promoter Samson Lewkowicz, a detail that could impact his future options at airy heavyweight and cruiserweight.

“David Benavidez only has one fight left with his current promoter, Samson Lewkowicz,” Zittel said on his YouTube channel. “Now this is just my two cents, my speculation. I wonder if Dana White and Zuffa, who are apparently open to working with Luis DeCubas and Al Haymon, what if David waits to sign this deal?”

“What if the other party is waiting for David to sign the contract so they can do business right away without a current promoter contract?”

Benavidez’s future has become a major topic in recent weeks as his team weighs options at both airy heavyweight and cruiserweight. Jose Benavidez Sr. told Zittel that Dmitry Bivol remains his preferred target, with Artur Beterbiev also high on the list if a fight with Bivol is not possible.

Zittel suggested that Benavidez’s contract situation could become an vital factor if massive opportunities arise with Turki Alalshikh, Dana White or Zuffa Boxing.

“Maybe you don’t want this promoter to be involved. Maybe you want to try to become his promoter with Luis and Al Haymon. But I don’t know. I only know what I’ve been told by all the people involved,” Zittel said.

The comments come after Zittel reported that sources close to the situation believe the third fight between Beterbiev and Bivol is likely to take place in Russia rather than under Saudi Arabian financing, potentially causing Benavidez to seek another opportunity elsewhere.

Benavidez continues to pursue a title shot as the boxing world waits to see if his next fight will also be the last fight under his current promotional deal.

Robert Segal is a boxing reporter at Boxing News 24 with over a decade of experience covering fight news, previews and analysis. Known for his first-hand reporting and in-ring perspective, he delivers authoritative coverage of champions, challengers and emerging talent from around the world.

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Last updated: 12/06/2026 at 12:58

Gervonta Davis has more concerns than Floyd Schofield as the WBA’s 30-day lightweight championship clock continues to tick down on a deadline that suddenly seems a lot less significant than it did a week ago.

As WBN previously reported, highlighting the confusion surrounding the WBA’s mandatory order, there are only 23 days left until the conclusion of negotiations between Davis and number one contender Floyd Schofield.

Floyd Schofield is waiting

Schofield keeps the pressure on while Davis remains noiseless on the matter.

The undefeated contender has posted repeatedly about Davis on social media in recent weeks, and recently drew attention to the passing deadline.

“Negotiations have begun with only 23 days remaining. I wonder what will happen now with the current Tank Davis situation,” Schofield wrote, asking what effect this might have on the WBA order.

The post was another reminder that while Schofield appears fully focused on securing his first shot at a world title, there is still uncertainty on the champion’s side.

It is unclear whether Davis focuses on any of these issues.

Gervonta Davis

His last public appearance was alongside Adrien Broner on a livestream that felt more like checking on a friend than a boxing discussion. There was no indication that the mandatory title negotiations occupied most of Davis’s attention.

This is hardly surprising.

Davis publicly retired from the sport before agreeing to face Jake Paul in a lucrative crossover fight. This deal later collapsed due to legal complications that still persist.

Reports indicate that Davis is still dealing with the consequences of a probation violation stemming from the incident at a Miami strip club that derailed Paul’s fight.

The matter has become so grave that questions about Davis’ immediate future compete with questions about who he will fight next.

WBA title clock

This leaves the WBA in an increasingly awkward position after Davis was granted champion status during his hiatus in January.

The organization ordered Davis and Schofield to begin negotiations. Schofield is waiting. The deadline is approaching.

With the clock ticking, the irony is that the biggest obstacle to the fight may have nothing to do with Floyd Schofield.

About the author

Phil Jay is the editor-in-chief of World Boxing News (WBN) and a boxing veteran with over 15 years of experience. Since 2010, he has been interviewing world champions, breaking down international titles exclusively and reporting from the ring. His work is distributed on major platforms including Apple News. Read the full biography.