Former undisputed champion set to return on epic Riyadh fight card

Instead, he will face America's Deon Nicholson, according to The Ring, on November 22 as a part of the stacked Ring IV card which will feature four world title fights.

After two closely fought encounters this past October and February, and one win apiece, it was expected that Beterbiev and Bivol would settle their rivalry with a trilogy bout. 

However, a deal for a third fight has failed to become a reality and the light heavyweight division has undergone some changes. 

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Bivol is no longer the undisputed light heavyweight after relinquishing his WBC title which David Benavidez now holds and there is also an order by the IBF to face mandatory challenger Michael Eifert. 

While Bivol is yet to announce his next move, Beterbiev will aim to force himself back into the world title picture and if he beats Nicholson, it will be no surprise if has a keen eye on the night's main event which sees Benavidez make the first defence his WBC light heavyweight title against Anthony Yarde. 

It will be a huge uphill task for Nicholson to overcome one of boxing's most feared punchers, but in addition to an eight-fight winning streak, maybe the loss to Bivol has eliminated the sense of invincibility surrounding Beterbiev making him vulnerable to a second professional loss. 

Watch Itauma vs Whyte live on DAZN

You can watch Moses Itauma vs Dillian Whyte live on DAZN on August 16. More information is available here.