It is disheartening to see that even after dominating two separate divisions, David Benavidez is still far away from a much-deserved title opportunity. After defeating David Morrell last month, it felt like his time had finally come for a shot at the undisputed light heavyweight title. His being the No.1 contender for both WBC and WBA gave the thought even more credibility. Soon, fans and experts started fantasy booking a clash against Dmitry Bivol for the undisputed light heavyweight championship.
However, boxing is a cruel sport and it turned out that despite his team’s efforts, the dream match wasn’t supposed to be. Somehow, the Bandera Roja is back in the same situation he was a few years ago in the Super middleweight division. And just like last time, he has to now settle for someone else. Well, as it turns out, he has found someone.
David Benavidez eyeing another Matchroom boxer
On Thursday, Supreme Boxing took to its Instagram to confirm that David Benavidez’s team has been denied the Dmitry Bivol fight. Something which Bivol’s manager Eddie Hearn also confirmed in a chat with Boxing Scene a few days ago. After getting denied of the dream fight, it looks like the WBC interim light heavyweight champion has set his sights on another Matchroom boxer. Hearn revealed that “We’ve had some conversations around Benavidez-Callum Smith,” hinting the WBO interim champion could be the next name for the Mexican star. However, nothing is confirmed at the moment and the Matchroom head honcho revealed that they were looking at more options for Callum Smith.
Now it looks like the talks have escalated as Supreme Boxing mentioned in their post. The caption read, “David Benavidez team was informed during negotiations they will NOT be getting the Dmitry Bivol fight next, so he is looking towards Callum Smith now.” However, they confirmed that it was just a rumor at the moment.
If the rumors are true, certainly a fight against Callum Smith, who is the WBO interim light heavyweight champion, would be something that fans would love to see. However, the situation has left the fans wondering what more the Mexican Monster has to do to get his title opportunity. Let’s take a look.
A trilogy on the way
According to reports, Benavidez Sr. made a “very large offer” to Bivol’s team. However, as Eddie Hearn reconfirmed, the reports were false, and “The David Benavidez fight has never been close.” He further revealed that even though he is Bivol’s promoter, the ultimate decision lies in His Excellency Turki Alalshikh’s hands, since the Saudi Royal was instrumental in helping Bivol become the undisputed champion.
“His Excellency has given us 4 fights around the world, particularly in Saudi Arabia, and great opportunities,” explained Hearn. He clarified that his team would show loyalty to the Saudis. And as Hearn put it, His Excellency desires a trilogy between Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev, so that’s what will be happening next.
It is public knowledge that Alalshikh holds David Benavidez in high regard and has big plans for him. So, if the 30-0 boxer wins his rumored fight against Callum Smith and Bivol successfully defends his title against Beterbiev, we will undoubtedly get that match. However, there are too many variables still at play at this point to confirm anything. What do you think? Will we get the Bivol-Benavidez fight in the future? Let us know your thoughts down below.
The post Boxing Rumors- David Benavidez Has a New Opponent After Dmitry Bivol Setback appeared first on EssentiallySports.