war before the bell

Beterbiev’s toughest fights lately haven’t been with his opponents. They’ve been fighting the grind of the gym. His latest experience has been a laundry list of training setbacks, from knee surgery to rib and shoulder issues. Once you’re over 40, these patterns become important. There have been no reports of new injuries, but that’s not the point. Workload itself is the enemy.

Beterbiev doesn’t do “easy” training camps. His game is built on strength and relentless repetition, which means months of brutal preparation. At this stage, shortcuts or late adjustments are not an option. Going to the gym every week is a gamble.

A trilogy with Bivol remains the goal, but Beterbiev is a passenger in the deal. Bivol is currently recovering from back surgery and must first deal with Michael Evert’s IBF mandate. That path could push Game 3 to late 2026. Then there’s David Benavidez.

While this is a big name, Benavidez is planning to move up to lightweight to face Zuldo Ramirez in May. If he ends up returning to Beterbiev, it means the 41-year-old driver will have to endure tough training against young, high-capacity engines. There is no low pressure return path. The names changed, but the actual casualties did not.

Beterbiev has been a free agent since mid-2025. On paper, this gives him freedom. In fact, the clock is the one in charge. Each month without fighting makes the next training camp more difficult and there is less room for error.

When he finally returns, the talk will be about his power and his place in the division. But the real answer was decided privately long before the lights came on. The question isn’t what’s left in his hands. The question is whether his body will allow him to get in the ring.