---
title: "Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol linked to interim fights before potential rematch"
canonical: "https://boxing-social.com/news/beterbiev-bivol-interim-fights/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Tom Eaton"
section: "News"
published: "2024-10-21T09:12:45Z"
modified: "2024-10-21T09:12:45Z"
---

# Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol linked to interim fights before potential rematch

Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol went to war in Riyadh last weekend – more tactically and mentally than physically – and the boxing universe is calling for an immediate rematch. However, it now appears as though both men could return against alternate opponents before they meet again.

Beterbiev edged a controversial split-decision in Saudi Arabia to become the first undisputed light-heavyweight champion of the four-belt era and the first 175lber to hold all recognised world titles since Roy Jones Jr. in 2002.

Yet, with [plenty of fans believing that Bivol had done enough to get the nod on the scorecards](https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/boxing/dmitry-bivol-artur-beterbiev-eddie-hearn-b1187496.html), it seemed as though a rematch was inevitable

However, recent [reports that Turki Al-Alshikh has been deterred from staging major ‘Riyadh Season’ boxing events outside of the Kingdom](https://wp.boxing-social.com/news/bob-arum-explains-why-riyadh-season-is-unlikely-to-return-to-united-states/) appear to have disrupted any plans for a rematch in the near-future.

Instead, Beterbiev’s promoter [Bob Arum explained to Dan Rafael](https://bigfightweekend.com/news/artur-beterbiev-dmitry-bivol-bob-arum-rematch/#:~:text=%E2%80%9CI%20think%20there%20was%20a,Arabia%2C%20which%20makes%20sense.%E2%80%9D) that any second encounter between the Russian-born rivals would be expected to take place in around 12 months’ time at the very earliest.

*“Riyadh Season ends in February, the earliest date for a rematch would be next October (when the next festival begins).”*

Consequently, considering the negative financial impact that staging a fight outside of Riyadh would have, Arum added his presumption that both Beterbiev and Bivol would take interim fights in preparation for the continuation of their salivating rivalry.

*“So it may mean that each of these guys fight one more time against other opponents, and then for October of next year they do the rematch. I think that is the likely, from a business standpoint, the likeliest thing that will happen and I think that’s a reasonable thing — if guys take interim fights, if they’re amenable to it.”*

As for whom those contests may be against, Quebec fan-favourite Beterbiev has been [ordered to defend his titles against IBF mandatory challenger Michael Eifert](https://wp.boxing-social.com/news/beterbiev-new-challenger/) – who upset another Canadian national in Jean Pascal when they fought last year.

A showdown with Eifert would assumably sell well in Canada and would allow Beterbiev to have a homecoming as the undisputed light-heavyweight champion in a relatively low-risk contest as not to hamper his plans to rematch Bivol

Meanwhile, Bivol would be a harder sell to the public and may opt for a more recognised opponent such as Callum Smith or a well-ranked one like undefeated Venezuelan Albert Ramirez, who is mentored by Beterbiev.

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