Artur Beterbiev took the first loss of his career in his rematch with Dmitry Bivol, but a trilogy is now looking less and less likely.
Artur Beterbiev became the undisputed light-heavyweight champion with his win over Dmitry Bivol in October last year.
After an extremely close fight, fans yearned for a rematch, and when the pair faced off for the second time in February, it was Bivol who had his hand raised.
With one win each, both men seemed sure to lock horns once more, to determine who is truly the best light-heavyweight, but now that seems unlikely.
Artur Beterbiev may face KO-artist Najee Lopez on Benavidez vs Yarde undercard
After much talk of the trilogy, it seems negotiations have gone quiet, and the fight may be unlikely to happen at all.
In the meantime, Beterbiev has been in talks for an entirely new opponent, as it seems he is tired of waiting for Bivol to come to a decision regarding their fight. Bivol has been ordered to face Michael Eifert, too.
Beterbiev, who has beaten Yarde, has been rumored to face Najee Lopez on the undercard of David Benavidez vs Anthony Yarde.
So far, the card also includes Devin Haney vs Brian Norman Jr., Bam Rodriguez vs Fernando Martinez, and Sam Noakes vs Abdullah Mason.
Lopez is a 14-0 Puerto Rican with 11 knockout wins to his name. In his last fight, he obliterated 22-2 Juan Osuna, who was stopped by Khalil Coe previously.
Beterbiev, despite his age, will surely be the favorite, though the fight may be one of the best possible right now with fellow heavyweights Yarde and Benavidez facing each other, Bivol in limbo, and one other light-heavyweight match-up that may also land on the same card.
Two other huge fights may land on November 22nd Ring card
Though the card is already stacked, there may be even more fights added to it, making it a must-watch event.
The first fight that may be added is Dalton Smith vs Subriel Matias. Matias won his latest fight against Alberto Puello majority decision to become a two-time super-lightweight champion.
Smith, meanwhile, has been waiting for his shot at a world title, with a recent win over Mathieu Germain being his last after winning the European title.
Callum Smith may also feature on the card, and could face light-heavyweight David Morrell, who controversially beat Imam Khataev in his last fight.
With these fights added, the November 22nd card could look like this:
David Benavidez vs Anthony Yarde
Devin Haney vs Brian Norman Jr.
Artur Beterbiev vs Najee Lopez
Bam Rodriguez vs Fernando Martinez
Callum Smith vs David Morrell
Dalton Smith vs Subriel Matias
Abdullah Mason vs Sam Noakes