WHILST fans continue to wait on a trilogy showdown between Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev, speculation suggests that the latter could be poised for an outing during the interim.
After two gruelling battles between Bivol, 24-1 (12 KOs), and Beterbiev, 21-1 (20 KOs), within four months of one another, a delay to a third and final fight between the light-heavyweight rivals was always expected.
However, it instead seems that it is Bivol who is prolonging the wait for a third encounter, whilst Beterbiev, 40, is raring to go, keen to avenge his lone career defeat and reclaim the light-heavyweight throne.
In addition, the IBF have also ordered Bivol to take on mandatory challenger Michael Eifert and Bivol’s manager, Vadim Kornilov, reliably informed Boxing News that they “plan to follow their obligations” but wish to commit to that contest after the Beterbiev trilogy.
Now, rumours that Beterbiev will take on American contender Najee Lopez, 14-0 (11 KOs, have emerged and WBO welterweight champion Brian Norman Jr., 28-0 (23 KOs), has added to the speculation.
After attending a charity event with Lopez on Saturday, Norman took to social media to warn fans not to overlook his countryman in a fight with Beterbiev.
“Y’all about to learn about the south. Sleep on us if you want.”
It is suggested that Beterbiev-Lopez could be added to the mammoth Benavidez-Yarde bill in Riyadh on Saturday, November 22, which already features four world title contests and a fifth may still be added yet.
Should Beterbiev agree to this, Bivol may decide to fulfil his IBF mandatory and face Eifert next, before continuing with a trilogy fight in 2026, providing both he and Beterbiev come through those fights unscathed.
