Undisputed light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol has a lot of cards on the table, but it’s currently uncertain who the 34-year-old will fight next. A couple of days ago, the WBC ordered the Indio, California native to square off against ‘Interim’ WBC light heavyweight champion David Benavidez. This was expected before Bivol defeated Artur Beterbiev in February this year.
You see, Bivol and Beterbiev first locked horns back in October last year! While Beterbiev won their first exchange, Bivol reversed the decision in their second fight. Meanwhile, Benavidez who failed to secure a fight against Canelo Alvarez in the super middleweight division, climbed to light heavyweight with the hopes that he would get the shot at the undisputed champion of the division.
It looked possible for a while. However, with Bivol and Beterbiev’s trilogy on the line, Benavidez’s chances to land the fight became steeper. Still, there seem to be other hurdles in making the fight happen, one of which Bivol’s promoter Matchroom honcho Eddie Hearn revealed in an interview with Boxing King Media. Going back a few months, before Bivol vs. Beterbiev two, the 34-year-old was given an exception.
Boxen: 62nd WBC Annual Convention, , Hamburg, 11.12.2024 Eddie Hearn Matchroom Hamburg Germany *** Boxing 62nd WBC Annual Convention, , Hamburg, 11 12 2024 Eddie Hearn Matchroom Hamburg Germany
Bivol reached out to all the sanctioning bodies to let Beterbiev fight him instead of his then mandatory, which is what had happened. So, this puts IBF’s number one contender Michael Eifert first in line to get a shot at the belt holder, Dmitry Bivol. “When you become undisputed you have a lot of mandatories, so Benavidez is now mandatory with the WBC,” said Hearn during the interview.
“The German fighter I believe it’s Michael Eifert. He is the first in line because we actually got an exception or Beterbiev did to face Bivol in the rematch on the condition that you have to fight him next.” Hearn acknowledged that the Eifert fight won’t set the “world on fire” with excitement, so he and his team will have to decide what’s next for Bivol.
He also revealed what’s most likely to happen, and it’s not going to be in Benavidez’s favor. “My conversations with His Excellency lean towards Bivol-Beterbiev 3,” Hearn told the reporter. Meanwhile, His Excellency Turki Alalshikh has shared what he wants for Bivol next.
Saudi Boxing Chief doesn’t want Dmitry Bivol vs. David Benavidez anymore
By now, everyone knows the kind of power and influence Saudi Boxing Chief Turki Alalshikh has in the sport. Using his money and influence, the Saudi Royal has put together some of the biggest fights boxing has seen in recent years. While he was interested in Bivol vs. Benavidez before, it appears a trilogy between Bivol and Beterbiev is more likely to happen.
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – DECEMBER 23: Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of the Saudi General Authority for Entertainment, looks on prior to the Day of Reckoning: Fight Night at Kingdom Arena on December 23, 2023 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
“I am no longer interested in Bivol-Benavidez, and I will not bid on it,” Alalshikh told The Ring. “I think Bivol knows who has delivered for him and who hasn’t. My advice to Bivol: don’t be late because every day something changes.” It’s also worth mentioning that Benavidez is PBC promoted boxer, who has, for the most part, stayed away from the Saudi influence in boxing.
After all is said and done, David Benavidez seems to be headed for the same fate as super middleweight. Despite promises, Benavidez is failing to land a shot at the guy at the top. It would be wise for him to take on someone like ‘Interim’ WBO light heavyweight champion Callum Smith to solidify his claim against the winner of a trilogy between Beterbiev and Bivol. What do you think Benavidez should do next?
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