Sometimes, the world of boxing doesn’t allow you to sit back and enjoy the fruits of your labor. It’s a game that’s always looking ahead, even if the future picture isn’t a clear one.

Dmitry Bivol has been around long enough to know how it goes. When he picked up an interim light heavyweight strap back in 2017, fans began playing matchmaker. Even after defending his full title against the likes of Canelo Alvarez and Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez, finding his next immediate opponent became the storyline.

The same pattern is starting up again. This past weekend, Bivol knocked Artur Beterbiev off his high horse. In doing so, he became an undisputed champion. But while fans, media members, and promoters are anxious to throw him in with another big name, Bivol wants to take his time and show more appreciation and gratitude for what he just accomplished.

“I’m open to any fight but I want to enjoy that I’m undisputed champion,” Bivol told a group of reporters following his win. “I want to take care of my health because I have some issues. I want to heal myself and then move forward again.”

Once his aching bones are brand new, Bivol (24-1, 12 KOs) will have a decision to make. Beterbiev won their initial showdown and has already expressed his desire in a third fight. Canelo Alvarez, who lost to Bivol back in 2022, has always wanted revenge. Those two were a given but David Benavidez has also entered the mix. If things weren’t complicated enough, Callum Smith just grabbed the WBO interim title.

Smith, at least for now, doesn’t appear to be one of the more likely options. As for everybody else, Bivol is willing to face them all.

“It doesn’t matter,” continued Bivol when asked who he wants next. “Trilogy, Benavidez, Canelo. I’m just waiting on an offer and I’ll say yes.”