Unified three-belt light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol has reportedly returned to the ring for the primary time since his back surgery in early August. His promoter, Eddie Hearn, said he would wish 6 to eight weeks to recuperate.
Bivol’s Injury Changes Every little thing
The trilogy fight that Bivol (24-1, 12 KOs), his fans, and the Saudis had hoped to occur against Artur Beterbiev is off for now on account of Bivol’s back surgery. Beterbiev is scheduled to fight Deon Nicholson on November twenty second in Riyadh.
One other bout the general public desires to see is Bivol, 34, battling WBC 175-lb champion David Benavidez for the undisputed light heavyweight championship. Nonetheless, Benavidez is scheduled to defend against Anthony Yarde within the headliner on the November twenty second card on the ANB Arena in Riyadh, and he won’t be returning to the ring until 2026.
Bivol’s promoter, Hearn, reportedly prefers that he wait for the trilogy match against Beterbiev (21-1, 20 KOs) relatively than face ‘The Mexican Monster’ Benavidez for the 4 belts.
Fans on social media would really like to see Benavidez get a probability to fight Bivol first, as they’ve already seen back-to-back fights between him and Artur. The Saudis shall be those to determine which of those two fights will happen.
Beterbiev’s Age a Concern
The danger of a fight between the young 28-year-old Benavidez and Bivol is that Benavidez could defeat Bivol, potentially tarnishing interest in a Bivol-Beterbiev trilogy match. Artur’s advancing age is another excuse why the trilogy match must occur sooner relatively than later. Beterbiev turns 41 on January 21, 2026, and his last two fights have shown that he’s starting to decelerate. His mobility and hand speed don’t appear as fast because it was five years ago in 2020.
The tactics that Dmitry used to defeat the previous undisputed 175-lb champion Beterbiev by a 12-round majority decision earlier this 12 months, on February 22, 2025, in Riyadh, could possibly be less effective against Benavidez.
Bivol’s tactics that he used to defeat Beterbiev
- Out and in movement
- Fast short burst combos
- Tying up
- Jabbing
- Fighting defensively early
- Counter-punching
- Increasing the pace in later rounds
Benavidez’s Speed and Power
These tactics likely could be less effective against Davis Benavidez, as he possesses fast hands, throws speedy combos, and cuts off the ring well. His mobility is great. So, the movement that Bivol employed to neutralize Beterbiev’s offense last February might prove less effective against Benavidez.
Last Updated on 08/30/2025