Beterbiev Shifts Focus: Nicholson Opponent in Place of Bivol Trilogy

beterbiev-Bivol Trilogy Delayed: Former Champ to Face Nicholson in November

By Andreas Hale | August 6,2025,12:51 AM ET

The highly anticipated third fight between Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev has been put on indefinite hold. Beterbiev will instead return to the ring on November 22nd against Deon Nicholson, it was announced Tuesday.

the bout will serve as a key undercard attraction for the Ring IV “Night of Champions” event, headlined by the clash between David Benavidez and Anthony Yarde.

Beterbiev,formerly the undisputed light heavyweight champion,suffered his first professional defeat in a majority decision loss to Bivol in Febuary. This followed a prior majority decision victory over Bivol last October,which secured him the undisputed title.

initial plans for the trilogy fight involved a shift away from Riyadh season as the promotional partner, with both fighters expressing a desire to host the event in Russia with option organizers. While Turki Alalshikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, granted permission for this move, Beterbiev has now chosen a different path.

Beterbiev (21-1, 20 KOs), at 40 years old, will face Nicholson (22-1, 18 KOs), a relatively unknown opponent.Nicholson, 34, hailing from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, has primarily competed against lower-ranked fighters throughout his professional career, which began in 2016. This fight represents a notable leap in competition for Nicholson, whose only loss came via knockout to Efetobor Apochi in 2021.

Following their February rematch, negotiations for a third encounter between Beterbiev and Bivol stalled, leading to public frustration from Beterbiev. Bivol, having relinquished the WBC title to avoid a fight with Benavidez, is currently obligated by the IBF to defend his title against Michael Eifert. The status of that mandatory defence remains uncertain as Beterbiev pursues alternative opponents.

What specific financial disagreements led to teh collapse of the bivol-Beterbiev fight,and how did these impact the negotiations?

The Breakdown of the Bivol-Beterbiev Collapse

The highly anticipated Dmitry Bivol vs. Artur Beterbiev trilogy has officially fallen apart. After months of negotiation and build-up, a clash of styles and promotional hurdles proved insurmountable. This leaves Beterbiev, the reigning WBC and IBF light heavyweight champion, searching for a new opponent. The boxing world is buzzing with speculation, but a clear frontrunner has emerged: British contender, Lyndon Arthur Nicholson.

Why the Bivol Trilogy Failed

several factors contributed to the breakdown of the bivol-Beterbiev negotiations. key issues included:

Financial Disagreements: Purse splits and revenue sharing proved to be a major sticking point. Both fighters are in high demand, and thier teams were unwilling to compromise on financial terms.

Promotional Conflicts: Bivol is promoted by Matchroom Boxing, while Beterbiev is with top Rank. Navigating the complexities of co-promotion often presents significant challenges.

Mandatory Challenges: The involvement of mandatory challengers from both the WBC and IBF added another layer of complexity to the negotiations.

Timing & Location: Agreeing on a suitable date and venue proved arduous, with conflicting schedules and location preferences.

These combined obstacles ultimately led to both camps walking away from the deal, leaving fans disappointed and the light heavyweight division in a state of flux. The Bivol vs. Beterbiev rivalry, once considered the defining fight of the division, is now on indefinite hold.

Lyndon Arthur Nicholson: The New Opponent

Lyndon Arthur Nicholson (19-3, 17 KOs) has stepped up as the likely next opponent for Artur Beterbiev. Nicholson, a seasoned professional with a reputation for toughness and power, presents a significant challenge for the champion.

Nicholson’s Recent Performances & Style

Nicholson has been steadily climbing the light heavyweight ranks,showcasing a blend of boxing skill and knockout power.

Recent Wins: Nicholson’s recent victory over Zak Chelli demonstrated his ability to overcome adversity and secure a hard-fought win.

Fighting style: he’s known for his aggressive pressure, solid jab, and powerful right hand. He isn’t afraid to engage in close-quarters combat, making him a dangerous opponent for anyone.

Strengths: Nicholson’s stamina and resilience are key assets. He can maintain a high work rate throughout the fight and absorb punishment.

Weaknesses: While durable, Nicholson has shown vulnerabilities against skilled counter-punchers. Beterbiev’s precision and power could exploit these weaknesses.

What This Means for the Light Heavyweight Division

The shift in opponents has significant implications for the 175-pound division.

Beterbiev’s Path: Facing Nicholson allows Beterbiev to remain active and defend his titles while the Bivol situation remains unresolved. It’s a solid, if less glamorous, option.

Bivol’s Options: Bivol is now free to pursue other opportunities,potentially facing a different contender or exploring a move up in weight.

Impact on Rankings: Nicholson’s performance against Beterbiev will significantly impact his ranking and future opportunities. A win could catapult him into the top tier of the division.

Future Rematch Potential: While the immediate Bivol trilogy is off, this doesn’t necessarily rule out a future fight down the line. A lot will depend on both fighters’ performances and the evolving landscape of the division.

Beterbiev vs. Nicholson: potential Fight Analysis

A clash between Beterbiev and Nicholson promises to be a compelling matchup.

Beterbiev’s Advantages: Beterbiev’s superior power, technical skill, and experience give him a clear edge. His ability to control the distance and land devastating punches will be crucial.

Nicholson’s Challenges: Nicholson will need to utilize his pressure fighting style and attempt to disrupt Beterbiev’s rhythm. He’ll also need to be wary of beterbiev’s counter-punching ability.

Keys to Victory for Beterbiev: Maintain distance, utilize his jab, and capitalize on openings with powerful combinations.

Keys to Victory for Nicholson: Pressure Beterbiev relentlessly, work the body, and look for opportunities to land his signature right hand.

The Business of Boxing: A Recurring Theme

The Bivol-Beterbiev saga highlights the frequently enough-complex and frustrating realities of the boxing business.Promotional conflicts, financial disputes, and mandatory challenges frequently derail potentially exciting matchups. This situation underscores the need for greater collaboration and transparency within the sport to ensure that the best fights are made. The ongoing issues with boxing organizations and promoters continue to be a source of frustration for fans and fighters alike.