Boxing
'Ready to make!' - Bivol set to drop WBO belt for Beterbiev trilogy
Joshua vs. Prenga: Only on DAZN PPV - Saturday
Dmitry Bivol is expected to vacate the WBO light-heavyweight title and bypass Callum Smith for an Artur Beterbiev trilogy.
The unified champion had been expected to face the Briton in a mandatory defence following his win over Michael Eifert.
But now, Matchroom Boxing supremo Eddie Hearn has suggested that Bivol will instead pivot back to old rival Beterbiev.
The pair played out a gripping duology for the division's undisputed crown between 2024 and 2025, with one win apiece.
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"We're ready to make the Beterbiev fight," Hearn told The Ring. "That's the fight Dmitry wants. [He] is due to fight Smith.
"I think it's unlikely he'll defend. I think Smith will face Joshua Buatsi for the vacant title. Bivol is ready to make Beterbiev."
News of Bivol's likely decision will be music to his rival, who has been keen to avenge his narrow loss from last February.
WBO interim champion Smith meanwhile now appears set to face old rival Buatsi in a rematch of his own for the full belt.
Is Bivol-Beterbiev III the bout to make?
DAZN News correspondent Andrew Steel
Talk of a third dance between Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev has done the rounds for what has felt like eons now.
But it was only last week that cold water appeared to be poured on the idea the pair would meet again anytime soon.
That's not the case per Eddie Hearn though - and the decision to give up the WBO strap is a key twist in the tale too.
Callum Smith, as interim champion, has been chasing the full crown for a while. He will now face elevation questions.
But for Bivol, a third bout with Beterbiev is surely the commercial bet to make, after their gripping pair of bouts thus far.
Joshua vs. Prenga - exclusively on DAZN PPV
Watch Anthony Joshua's hugely anticipated return to the ring versus Kristian Prenga on Saturday, July 25 only on DAZN PPV. Buy as a one-off PPV or included, along with Itauma vs. Hrgovic and Canelo vs. Mbilli PPVs, with a DAZN Ultimate Tier subscription.
