Former undisputed light-heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev may spark a promotional bidding war following a major career announcement.
The 40-year-old, based in Canada but originally from Russia, has been out of the ring since Dmitry Bivol levelled their titanic rivalry in February to claim all four belts from “King” Artur.
With Bivol currently recovering from back surgery, a trilogy bout between the two is on hold. Fans had expected to see Beterbiev, 21-1 (20 KOs), return this month against Deon Nicholson on the David Benavidez-Anthony Yarde undercard in Riyadh. However, last month Nicholson revealed he would no longer be fighting in Saudi Arabia.
When Beterbiev will next fight remains unclear, but on Wednesday he gave fans an important update on his career from his Instagram account, confirming his promotional split from Top Rank.
“Hi everyone. I got a lot of questions about my promotional status. From the June 2025 I’m a free agent. My contract with Top Rank expired. I’m grateful for all these years with Top Rank and want to thank them for the opportunities they gave me. I want everyone, who follow and support me, to know that I believe — the best fights are ahead.”
During his time with Top Rank, Beterbiev tore through the 175lb division, winning his first world title in 2017 and, seven years later, securing the undisputed crown with victory over Bivol, 24-1 (12 KOs).
Though now 40, Beterbiev showed little sign of decline in that rematch, proving he remains one of the sport’s most formidable fighters. The key question now is who he will sign with for the final phase of his career.
Could Matchroom, Queensberry, Golden Boy Promotions or Premier Boxing Champions battle it out for the services of one of boxing’s most destructive punchers? Whatever happens, the return of “King” Artur will be a welcome one for the light-heavyweight division.
