The former undisputed light-heavyweight champion is now scheduled to fight American light heavyweight Deon Nicholson, 22-1 (18), on the undercard of David Benavidez vs Anthony Yarde and said that he has 'waited long enough' for his rival Bivol, 24-1 (12), to make a trilogy. 

Beterbiev stated: “We were offered great conditions, which were almost impossible to refuse. For my part, I did everything to make the third fight happen, but my opponent chose the path of retreat again."

He added: “See you on November 22 in Riyadh. I’m continuing my journey, no matter what.” 

• Read next | Ryan Garcia wants to fight WBO world champion and believes he would knock him out

Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing

It came as a surprise to many to see the trilogy fight delayed further as Bivol vacated his WBC belt in order to clear the way for a trilogy fight to be made for the autumn, but there has since been radio silence from the champion in regard to the fight. 

The pair shared two all-time classic fights, with Beterbiev, 21-1 (20), taking the majority decision in October last year, and then Bivol exacted his revenge, winning by an identical majority decision in February. 

It was expected that the trilogy would want to be made as quickly as possible to keep the momentum of the first two fights, especially with the sanctioning bodies essentially putting the division on hold while they figured it out. 

But Beterbiev has been frustrated for too long and will now take on the untested Deon Nicholson instead. 

Bivol’s future remains unclear, but he will be forced into action soon enough by one of, if not all of the sanctioning bodies, to either make the trilogy or defend his belts. 

Watch Itauma vs Whyte live on DAZN

You can watch Moses Itauma vs Dillian Whyte live on DAZN on August 16. More information is available here.