Dmitry Bivol's manager has claimed he is attempting to seal a deal for his fighter to put his light-heavyweight world titles on the line against Artur Beterbiev in a blockbuster trilogy bout next year.
Bivol avenged his one and only professional career defeat at the hands of Beterbiev by claiming a dominant points success over the former 175lbs ruler last February.
It was expected that a third fight would quickly be agreed with Beterbiev possessing a rematch clause after being relinquished of his titles, however, despite a willingness from the pair to trade leather once more, the fight wasn't made.
With Beterbiev now 41, and seemingly past his best, it remains to be seen as to whether he can be coaxed into one final lucrative clash with his compatriot Bivol.
And if not, it won't be for the lack of trying, according to his manager Vadim Kornilov.
"We are discussing the third fight against Beterbiev for an April or May date," Kornilov told The Ring Magazine over the weekend.
Bivol is first tied into a world title defence against mandatory challenger Callum Smith, after he worked himself into position for a shot at the pound-for-pound star by capturing the WBO interim belt last year.
The Matchroom star defied the odds to shock Joshua Buatsi in Saudi Arabia in February 2025, thus securing a crack at unified title-holder Bivol.
With that fight due to take place in Russia in December, Bivol's hopes of landing a money-spinning third fight with Beterbiev hinge on him overcoming the Liverpudlian.
The 35-year-old has endured back issues since dethroning Beterbiev 18 months ago, but returned following surgery in May by easily outpointing Michael Eifert to tee-up the upcoming Smith showdown -- a bout that now seems to have even more riding on it than previously thought.
