WBA light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol is slated to appear in the biggest fight of his career against unified champion Artur Beterbiev on October 12th at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. However, as Bivol prepares to write history by becoming an undisputed light heavyweight champion, his Ex-Wife Ekaterina Bivol has been making headlines for wanting his downfall. 

In the aftermath of their divorce, Bivol’s ex-wife has levied several serious allegations against him, as she roots for Beterbiev to win in the upcoming fight. Amid all this drama in Bivol’s personal life, many in the community are wondering what led up to the contentious relationship between them. Here’s everything you need to know. 

Who is Dmitry Bivol’s ex-wife Ekaterina Bivol?

Born on October 1, 1990, in Russia, Ekaterina was married to Bivol for nearly a decade before their separation in 2023. The couple first met in 2007 and got married in 2013, long before Bivol made his professional boxing debut. In October 2023, Ekaterina publicly accused Bivol of domestic abuse, sharing photos as evidence.

She explained that fear of losing custody of her children initially kept her from speaking out. However, after being awarded custody of their children, she revealed more about their troubled marriage. Despite their split, Ekaterina remains a significant figure in Bivol’s personal life, particularly as the mother of his children.

Why did Dmitry Bivol and Ekaterina Bivol split up? Reason behind divorce

Dmitry Bivol and Ekaterina Bivol’s divorce stems from a tumultuous relationship that deteriorated after Bivol’s victory over Canelo Alvarez in 2022. Ekaterina claims that Bivol’s newfound fame changed him, leading to their separation just a year later. She stated, “After the Canelo fight, we moved to the [United] States because it was the idea of my ex. Then he left me there… I lived there for five months and a half alone with my kids.” 

Ekaterina also revealed that she was betrayed by her ex-husband, recalling Bivol’s suggestion to protect his image as a boxer, “Maybe, we just live separately but legally married.” Alongside allegations of stingy child support checks and emotional abuse, these factors contributed to a contentious divorce, which has since played out in the public eye as both parties navigate their new realities.

Do Dmitry Bivol and Ekaterina Bivol have kids together?

Dmitry Bivol and Ekaterina Bivol have two children together: sons Miron and Nikon Bivol. The couple was married for nearly a decade after tying the knot in 2013, and they first met in 2007. Following their separation in 2023, Ekaterina received custody of their two sons. However, since then, she has accused Bivol of financial neglect, stating he only pays “$1,100 per month for both kids” and is allegedly “hiding his foreign bank accounts.”

Ex-wife wants Bivol to lose his next fight

Dmitry Bivol’s upcoming fight against Artur Beterbiev on October 12 is steeped in personal drama, as his ex-wife Ekaterina publicly calls for his defeat. Ekaterina has alleged that Bivol was both “emotionally and physically abusive,” claiming she suffered “psychological trauma” during their marriage.

In a bid to bolster Beterbiev, she detailed Bivol’s injuries, saying, “He has a stress fracture of a vertebra in his back…very sore knees,” and labeled him a “coward.” Ekaterina’s intense public criticism adds an intriguing layer to this highly anticipated showdown.

Why is she still using Bivol’s last name?

Ekaterina Bivol continues to use her ex-husband Dmitry Bivol’s last name for personal and practical reasons. In a series of Instagram stories, she emphasized that she feels no need to change her surname, stating, “I ain’t gonna change my last name and be with my sons under different.” 

By keeping the Bivol name, she maintains a connection to her children and asserts her identity. She also mentioned that she would only consider changing her last name if she remarries. Ultimately, this decision reflects her desire for stability and continuity for her family after the tumultuous end of their marriage.

That being said, if not anyone else, Artur Beterbiev has one supporter, Ekaterina Bivol, rooting for him in the upcoming fight against Dmitry Bivol. However, the question now is, what do you think of the allegations Bivol’s ex-wife made against him?