Top Five Opponents That Could Face Dmitry Bivol Next

Ramirez fights Lerrone Richards on Thursday (tonight). If the southpaw wins, he will become the most interesting fighter in the division who hasn’t fought Bivol. At 34, Ramirez deserves a shot, and if Bivol looks to stay active, this is a worthy title challenger. 

04. Saul “Canelo” Alvarez

Record: 63-3-2 (39 KOs)

Why: The rematch, better late than never.

Canelo lost to Bivol in 2022. It feels like a different world four years later. Canelo is at the end of his career, and who knows, Bivol might be as well. Canelo could get a chance to avenge his loss; the holdup is the weight class. Where would it happen, and would Canelo choose other, more marquee matchups? It is something worth thinking about. Not as likely, but worth mentioning. 

03. Viddal Riley

Record: 14-0 (7 KOs)

Why: A move to cruiserweight.

Riley, an unbeaten cruiserweight, has proven he has substance by defeating Cheavon Clarke and Mateusz Masternak in his last two fights. Riley has developed a following, and if Bivol opts to contend at cruiserweight, Riley would be a fitting first opponent.

02. David Benavidez

Record: 32-0 (26 KOs)

Why: The most interesting up-and-comer.

Benavidez is a two-division titleholder. He holds belts at light heavyweight and, last month, stopped Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez to claim a cruiserweight title. Benavidez is calling for Bivol, and the fight would be exciting and highly anticipated.

01. Artur Beterbiev

Record: 21-1 (20 KOs)

Why: We need the trilogy.

Bivol and Beterbiev are 1-1 against each other. I am a boxing guy, and I truly can’t say who won either fight. They felt like draws at the highest level. Beterbiev, now 41, doesn’t have time on his side and has been inactive since his loss to Bivol in February 2025.