Vadim Kornilov, Dmitry Bivol's manager, assured that the unified light heavyweight champion is open to facing Artur Beterbiev or David Benavidez on his possible return to action in the first quarter of 2026.

Speaking to World Boxing News, Kornilov explained that Bivol is not considering a tune-up fight for now following his rehabilitation from surgery to treat a back injury.

“There is talk of organizing the third fight (with Beterbiev) for the world fans. We are open to fighting Benavidez or Beterbiev next year. We are currently not considering a tune-up fight unless Dmitry’s recovery does not go as planned,” he said.

“I’m not sure if Canelo really wants the fight. If everything goes well with the rehabilitation, Bivol should be ready to fight in the first quarter of next year,” he added.

Remember that after winning the rematch against Artur Beterbiev and becoming undisputed champion, Dmitry Bivol relinquished his World Boxing Council (WBC) title to avoid the mandatory fight against David Benavidez and thus be able to fulfill the trilogy already agreed upon with his compatriot.

Since then, nothing has been heard regarding negotiations for the third fight. For this reason, Artur Beterbiev tired of waiting and arranged a fight with Deon Nicholson on the card to be held on November 22 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Shortly after, it was learned that Bivol abandoned negotiations with his compatriot to treat his back injury. Instead, the Mexican Monster will be headlining the same card where Beterbiev will return to action. Benavidez will face Anthoy Yarde to defend his WBC interim 175-pound title.

Now that the unified Russian champion is back in training, a trilogy between the two could take place in 2026, or perhaps David Benavidez will be the next to face him.

Dmitry Bivol, 34,He took revenge and took the undisputed 175-pound title from Artur Beterbiev. The Russian has a record of 24 wins, 12 of them by knockout, and one loss.