Dmitry Bivol’s team has confirmed to World Boxing News that a 2025 trilogy with Artur Beterbiev is now uncertain, prompting a direct and frustrated response from the unified champion. Beterbiev added to growing speculation surrounding a third clash with Bivol after the three-belt titleholder’s team revealed to WBN that a date this year is not certain. Bivol’s Team admits 2026 delay is possible Speaking exclusively to World Boxing News, Bivol’s manager, Vadim Kornilov, admitted that there is still no confirmed timeline for the trilogy fight that fans had expected to take place by the end of this year. “I have heard this (possible delay until 2026), but I am not aware of this, to be specific,” Kornilov told WBN. “It is very possible that it can move to next year, but we are still working on our plans.” The statement comes amid frustration from Beterbiev, who released a public message addressing repeated delays and fan concern regarding the final chapter of the Bivol saga. Beterbiev responds to fan questions “I received hundreds of questions about the third fight. That’s why I decided to answer here,” Beterbiev began. “As you know, the first fight for the absolute champion title took place in October last year. After five years of attempts to unify the belts, it was still successful. “The day after the first fight, we agreed on a rematch, which was to take place within four months, despite the fact that I was after the operation, and my coach and doctor were categorically against such an early rematch.” “After the second fight, I immediately showed interest in an early third fight, and at first, there were rumors about the fight in August, but my opponent said in an interview that he wanted to hold it in late autumn, then – at the end of the year, and now – it is completely unknown when.” He concluded by asking his former Russian amateur team-mate, “Dima, how old do I have to be so that we can fight for the third time?” IBF orders Bivol to face Eifert Beterbiev’s closing question adds further to the frustrations on all sides. As WBN reported last week, the IBF has ordered a mandatory for Bivol to face Michael Eifert. Kornilov told World Boxing News on July 4 that the Beterbiev trilogy needed to be secured in good time so Bivol could avoid the IBF stipulation and keep his title. “We have no problem with the IBF following their rules,” Kornilov told WBN. “We know the IBF was the next mandatory in rotation in this weight class, and they are following the rules. “If you don’t remember, they did order this Mandatory after the first Bivol vs Beterbiev fight but were respectful of the rematch, allowing for the rematch to occur. “It was now their turn to order the mandatory, which they now ordered due to the fact that the third Beterbiev vs Bivol fight is still not scheduled. “Considering my prior experience, I assume that if the third fight is scheduled in a reasonable timeframe, the IBF will permit the fight to take place, given the magnitude of the event.” The third fight is still without a date Given this extended timescale, Bivol could fight Eifert before Beterbiev if he wants to remain the IBF champion. As things stand, there’s no date on the horizon. However, Kornilov’s acknowledgment that a 2025 delay is “very possible” suggests that any definitive resolution may still be months away. With one victory each from two Fight of the Year battles, the absence of a definitive trilogy would be a significant blow to both legacies — and to boxing fans worldwide. WBN will continue to follow developments on this potentially historic trilogy and update readers on any new developments.