Dmitry Bivol's Elbow Surgery Delays Light Heavyweight Trilogy Plans

Russian light‑heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol confirmed via Instagram that his scheduled left‑elbow surgery was successful, but his recovery timeline remains undefined. The procedure postpones any immediate return to the ring and casts uncertainty over a highly anticipated third bout with fellow Russian Artur Beterbiev, a fight Bivol has repeatedly said he wants above all else.

While the World Boxing Organization has ordered Bivol to face interim champion Callum Smith, promoter Eddie Hearn indicated the champion is likely to vacate the WBO belt to pursue the Beterbiev trilogy, which could leave Joshua Buatsi as a contender for the vacant title. Bivol previously returned from back‑surgery to defend his WBA, WBO and The Ring titles, only to lose the WBC title to interim champion David Benavidez during that layoff. His next opponent could be Benavidez, Beterbiev, or Smith depending on how his rehabilitation proceeds.