Beterbiev is again unhappy with Bivol

Former undisputed light heavyweight world champion (up to 79.4 kg), Artur Beterbiev, spoke about the trilogy with his compatriot Dmitry Bivol.

“When I won the first fight, I was immediately offered a rematch. And just four months later, we stepped back into the ring. I understood the condition I was in, I knew my body needed more time to recover, but I gave my word — and I kept it. I didn’t look for excuses, didn’t ask for postponements, didn’t set any conditions. If we agreed, then we go out and fight. Plus, at that time I held all the belts. I clearly understood what I was risking and how important that rematch was. It was a serious step, and I took it because it was the right thing to do as a man.

After the second fight, my opponent said that a third bout would definitely happen. I heard it just like everyone else. But then the delays began: first rest, then surgery eight months later, then rehabilitation, and now a mandatory defense. I respect any medical and sporting circumstances — that’s part of the profession. But a year has already passed, half of the belts are now somewhere else, and the third fight still hasn’t taken place,” Beterbiev said in an exclusive interview with Championat.