The light heavyweight division registers a distancing in the negotiations to definitively unify their world crowns. The president of the International Boxing Association (IBA), Umar Kremlev, confirmed that Dmitry Bivol's team decided not to accept an economic proposal designed to hold the third direct confrontation against Artur Beterbiev on Russian territory.

The organization's initiative sought to ensure the completion of the tiebreaker fight through a guaranteed financial increase for both fighters compared to the purses obtained in Saudi Arabia.

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When asked about the conversations, Kremlev was dissatisfied with the lack of a legal agreement to consolidate the sports spectacle in the medium term.

"I am very disappointed. Everyone is waiting for this fight. I don't know why Bivol and his team are not accepting the offer, but I will do everything possible to make this fight happen. We have been talking to both teams for quite some time. I can confirm that Beterbiev and his team are ready for the fight," declared the sports leader in an exclusive interview with the specialized magazine The Ring.

The financial terms and conditions of the offer

The approach of the international entity contemplated a profit framework much higher than that of previous billboards sponsored in the Middle East. According to the IBA president's details, the financial proposal for the Russian boxer doubled his previous income, while his opponent showed an absolute willingness to complete the mandatory signatures.

"The offer we made to Bivol for the third fight was considerably higher than the previous two. Specifically, Bivol was offered double what he earned in the previous fights. Beterbiev would fight for free as long as this fight happens," Kremlev detailed.

Despite the disparity of interests shown by the corners, the IBA leadership maintains the purpose of making the duel viable, either in Eastern European territory or in an alternative venue that is convenient for digital transmission companies. The main objective is to bring together thousands of fans in a massive venue that validates the global interest of the discipline.

"To be honest, we presented really very good offers in writing. But, unfortunately, the Bivol team is still waiting for something. Bivol seems to be ready to fight, but his team is still thinking. I can assure everyone that we are ready to organize the third fight at the highest level. We can do it in front of 100 thousand fans if it takes place in Russia, but we are also open to taking it wherever necessary," Kremlev concluded.

A divided history and regulatory commitments

The rivalry between both athletes is tied after their first two official presentations in the ring. In the first clash in October 2024, Beterbiev obtained the judges' verdict via majority decision, while in the rematch in February 2025 it was Dmitry Bivol who claimed victory under the same scorecard modality.

However, Dmitry Bivol's present is focused on meeting the official mandates of the organizations that govern the sport. After undergoing reconstructive surgery on his back and returning to activity with a victory against Michael Eifert in May 2026, the monarch must resolve the demands of the World Boxing Organization (WBO).

Recently, the regulatory body urged Dmitry Bivol to immediately begin discussions to schedule a mandatory defense of his 175-pound crown against interim champion Callum Smith.

The promoters have a deadline of July 26 to unify commercial criteria before the contest is submitted to the regulatory public auction process.