In a stunning disclosure that has rocked the boxing world, Dmitry Bivol, the WBA light-heavyweight champion, has broken his silence just moments ago, unveiling explosive details about a trilogy deal orchestrated by Saudi adviser Turki Alalshikh that he claims he never wanted. The Russian fighter, speaking live on a Russian sports channel, declared, “I didn’t want trilogy!”—a revelation that has sent shockwaves through the sport and left fans reeling as questions swirl around the integrity of the proposed blockbuster fights.
Bivol, with an impeccable 23-0 record and 12 knockouts, recently defended his title against Malik Zinad on June 1, 2025, in Riyadh, a bout promoted by Alalshikh’s growing influence in boxing. The controversy erupted when Bivol revealed that Alalshikh pressured him into a trilogy agreement against Canelo Alvarez, following their split-decision draw in 2022 and Bivol’s unanimous decision win in 2023. “They forced this on me—my career, my choice,” Bivol said, alleging that Alalshikh offered a $25 million incentive to secure the deal, despite Bivol’s preference to face new challengers like Artur Beterbiev.
The logic behind Bivol’s outrage lies in the financial and strategic dynamics. Alalshikh, known for bankrolling high-profile fights like the Usyk-Fury unification, has turned Saudi Arabia into a boxing hub, with the June 1 event drawing 18,000 fans and 1.2 million PPV buys. A trilogy with Canelo, whose global appeal netted $130 million from their 2023 rematch, promises massive revenue—estimated at $150 million per fighter. However, Bivol’s reluctance reflects his desire to avoid repetitive matchups, especially after dominating Canelo 116-112, 115-113, and 115-113, per official scores, risking stagnation against a 35-2-2 opponent.
Bivol’s evidence includes leaked emails, shared during the broadcast, purportedly showing Alalshikh’s team pressuring his management with deadlines and bonus threats. “This isn’t sport—it’s business,” Bivol added, a sentiment echoed by fans on X with posts like “Bivol’s right—Alalshikh’s ruining boxing!” and “Canelo trilogy hype is forced!” Alalshikh has not commented, but his office issued a statement calling the claims “misinterpreted negotiations.”
The fallout is immediate. Canelo, preparing for a September 2025 bout with Terence Crawford, expressed surprise, saying, “I’m ready if Dmitry is.” The WBC and WBA are reviewing the situation, with a potential hearing to assess contract validity. Bivol’s stance could derail the trilogy, slated for December 2025 in Riyadh, and shift focus to a Beterbiev unification fight, which analysts peg at 60% fan demand on social media.
This scandal threatens to reshape boxing’s landscape. If Bivol prevails, it could curb promoter overreach; if Alalshikh enforces the deal, it reinforces his control. As the sport holds its breath, the truth behind these dealings promises a seismic impact.
