Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev are set for their third professional boxing clash on November 23, 2024, in Las Vegas, Nevada, as the WBO super middleweight title remains vacant following Bivol’s controversial split-decision victory over Beterbiev in their second bout. The fight, promoted by Top Rank, marks a high-stakes unification match between the two fighters, who have split their first two meetings, each claiming superiority in their own right.
The WBO vacated the title after Bivol’s May 2024 decision, citing procedural disputes over the bout’s officiating. Both fighters have since demanded a rematch, with Bivol’s team arguing the result was unjust and Beterbiev’s camp asserting their fighter dominated the contest. The third fight, scheduled for the T-Mobile Arena, will determine the undisputed super middleweight champion, with implications for the division’s future hierarchy.
Background on the Rivalry
Bivol, the 33-year-old Russian, and Beterbiev, the 35-year-old Kazakh, have built a rivalry through two contentious fights. Their first meeting in December 2022 ended in a split draw, with Bivol winning on two cards and Beterbiev on one. The rematch in May 2024 saw Bivol secure a 114-113 decision, though Beterbiev’s team disputed the outcome, claiming referee errors and biased scoring.
Both fighters entered the second bout with undefeated records. Bivol, who holds the WBA (Super) and IBF titles, has a 23-0 record with 12 knockouts. Beterbiev, a former unified champion, is 36-1 with 29 knockouts. Their styles contrast sharply: Bivol’s technical, counterpunching approach clashes with Beterbiev’s aggressive, power-oriented style.
What’s at Stake
The WBO vacated the title after the May 2024 decision, leaving the super middleweight division without a recognized champion. The third fight between Bivol and Beterbiev is being framed as a unification bout, with the winner expected to face the winner of the Canelo Alvarez-Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. rematch in 2025. The WBO has not yet confirmed if the fight will be recognized as the division’s official title fight, but both camps have insisted it will settle the rivalry.
For Bivol, a win would solidify his status as the division’s premier fighter. For Beterbiev, a victory would not only avenge his loss but also position him as the dominant force in super middleweight boxing. The fight’s outcome could also impact the WBO’s credibility, as the governing body faces scrutiny over its handling of the dispute.
Key Tactical Considerations
Bivol’s strategy will likely focus on outpointing Beterbiev, leveraging his footwork and precision to avoid the Kazakh’s power. Beterbiev, however, has shown improved resilience in their second fight, landing more heavy shots and staying competitive in the later rounds. Analysts suggest Beterbiev may adopt a more defensive approach, targeting Bivol’s body to wear him down.
Training camp updates indicate both fighters have made adjustments. Bivol’s team has emphasized refining his jab and improving his ring generalship, while Beterbiev’s camp has highlighted his work on counterattacks and foot movement. The fight’s outcome may hinge on which fighter adapts more effectively to the other’s adjustments.
Implications for the Super Middleweight Division
The fight’s result will shape the super middleweight landscape for years. A Bivol victory would likely lead to a unification bout with Canelo Alvarez, who holds the WBC and Ring Magazine titles. A Beterbiev win, meanwhile, could trigger a series of high-profile matchups, including potential fights against Canelo or George Groves.
The WBO’s decision to vacate the title has created uncertainty, but the third fight offers a chance to restore clarity. The governing body has not yet commented on whether the winner will be recognized as the new champion, but both fighters and their teams are treating the contest as a de facto title fight.
What’s Next
The November 23 fight is the immediate focus, but the super middleweight division remains in flux. The WBO has yet to schedule a new title eliminator, and the lack of a recognized champion has led to calls for reform. Both Bivol and Beterbiev have indicated they will pursue the winner of the Alvarez-Chavez Jr. rematch, with Bivol’s team already discussing potential negotiations.
For fans, the third fight represents a culmination of a heated rivalry. For the sport, it underscores the challenges of governing a division with multiple title holders and conflicting rules. The outcome will not only decide the next champion but also influence the WBO’s future approach to dispute resolution.
As the date approaches, all eyes will be on Las Vegas. The fight promises to deliver another chapter in one of boxing’s most intriguing rivalries, with the stakes higher than ever.
Worth a look
