The fight lived up to the hype! Just like their first encounter, the rematch between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol was a razor-close battle. Bivol started strong, Beterbiev took control in the middle rounds, and the momentum kept shifting between them. But tonight, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the 34-year-old Bivol did just enough to narrowly edge ahead and claim the undisputed light heavyweight title for himself.

After grueling 12 rounds, the judges scored the fight: Deon Dwarte 115-113, Mike Fitzgerald 116-112, and Jean-Robert Laine 114-114, awarding Bivol a majority decision victory. However, Beterbiev, 41, wasn’t ready to walk away just yet—he refused to let his career end with a loss to his countryman.

Now, it’s Beterbiev who wants a rematch! Moments after the biggest fight of the year concluded, The Rabbit took the mic—something he rarely does. Having last tasted defeat in his amateur days against Oleksandr Usyk, he had long forgotten what disappointment felt like after a boxing match.

But with the harsh reality sinking in—Dmitry Bivol is the new undisputed light heavyweight champion—Beterbiev didn’t just call for a rubber match. He made a promise to himself, setting the stage for another night of edge-of-the-seat action. Speaking during his post-fight in-ring interview, Beterbiev declared, “Now it’s my time to come back… We’re gonna do a third fight.”

But will it happen?

Should Dmitry Bivol give Artur Beterbiev a trilogy?

Few fights today can match the intensity and greatness of the two battles between Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev. Yet, even after two wars, there’s still no definitive winner—both fights were razor-close, and a few small moments could have swung the second fight in either direction. But beyond the debate over who deserved the victory, there’s a bigger reason why Bivol should grant Beterbiev a trilogy.

When Bivol lost the first fight, Beterbiev gave him the chance to redeem himself—despite knowing firsthand how tough their first encounter was. Now, as the undisputed champion, Bivol should want to cement his legacy by proving he’s the best in the division. And the only way to do that is by beating Beterbiev twice.

Not to mention, a third fight would generate massive interest and financial reward—even if money isn’t their primary motivation.

Having said that, it appears Artur Beterbiev will follow the road Dmitry Bivol has been on since last October. When and where this trilogy may happen is yet to be seen, but one thing is for sure, fans will be waiting with baited breath for it. Would you want to see a trilogy between them?