IBA President Reports Bivol Declined Offer Double His Prior Beterbiev Purses

IBA president Umar Kremlev said that Dmitry Bivol’s team has turned down a proposal that offered twice the compensation Bivol earned for his first two fights with Artur Beterb/grief? (Correction: Beterbiev). The announcement comes amidst growing pressure on Bivol to arrange a mandatory title defense against Callum Smith under the WBO, further complicating prospects for a trilogy bout.

“The offer we made to Bivol for the third fight was considerably bigger than the first two fights,” Kremlev said to The Ring. “Specifically, Bivol was given two times a bigger offer than in previous fights. Beterbiev will fight for free just to make this fight happen.”

According to Kremlev, the negotiations have been underway for several months, yet Bivol’s management remains open to other opportunities, despite multiple formal offers. He noted that the champion appears ready to face Beterbiev again, but his team is exploring alternative paths.

“We’ve made really good offers in writing,” Kremlev said. “But unfortunately, Bivol’s team is still waiting for something. Bivol appears ready for the fight, but his team is thinking.”

“As far as I can see, it looks like they are looking for other opportunities and options in the market. Beterbiev gave Bivol a rematch, and Bivol should do the same.”

The proposed trilogy has stalled since Bivol defeated Beterbiev by a majority decision in February 2025, a pivotal win that restored the undisputed light‑heavyweight title. Bivol subsequently vacated the WBC title instead of facing mandatory challenger David Benavidez, underwent back surgery, and returned in May with a unanimous decision over Michael Eifert.

Early this week, the WBO mandated that Bivol begin negotiations with Callum Smith, setting July 26 as the deadline for both parties to agree. If that bout proceeds, Beterbiev is expected to take another fight before a trilogy can be revisited.

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