When His Excellency Turki Alalshikh shook hands with UFC president Dana White and TKO Group Holdings, it wasn’t just about launching a new boxing promotion. It was about fixing what’s broken in the sport. Too many weight classes, too many politics, and too many promoters blocking the fights fans actually want to see. The goal? “The best fight the best.” Sounds simple, right? And David Benavidez is the perfect example of why this system is flawed. After winning against David Morrell last month, he’s now the mandatory challenger for Dmitry Bivol’s undisputed title, yet instead of stepping into the ring for the biggest fight of his career, he’s stuck waiting—not because Bivol is dodging him, but because his own promoter, Sampson Lewkowicz, won’t give the green light.
Had Artur Beterbiev won in their February 22nd rematch, a trilogy wouldn’t even be a conversation. But since Bivol won, HE Alalshikh is now pushing hard to make that third fight happen, leaving David Benavidez in limbo once again. What makes it even more frustrating is that his own promoter is determined to make the fight happen a certain way—in a certain place, to be more precise.
David Benavidez’s title shot in jeopardy due to location issues
So here’s what’s going down with David Benavidez and his potential fight against Dmitry Bivol—it’s looking shaky, and not because of the fighters themselves, but because of, well… business politics. “David Benavidez’s promoter recently explained that the fight between Bivol and Benavidez may not take place this year, and that they might face Callum Smith next. Thoughts? ,” the caption on the clip read. The conversation with Sampson Lewkowicz happened on the sidelines of the Fundora-Booker unified light middleweight title clash.
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“It wouldn’t happen because my understanding is the guy (Turki Alalshikh) that bring the money to the plate, he decided that he doesn’t want it,” the veteran promoter revealed. According to him, Alalshikh is more interested in seeing the fight happen in Riyadh and not in the US. And as for him, Benavidez’s promoter made it crystal clear that he has zero interest in taking the fight to Saudi Arabia. When asked why, he bluntly told Fight Hub TV, “Personally, I would never go to Saudi.” When pressed on what would need to happen to actually make Benavidez vs. Bivol a reality, Sampson didn’t exactly sound hopeful. Lewkowicz suggested that if the undisputed world light heavyweight champion doesn’t want the fight, then “I recommended to give up the (WBC title) before April 8th (like a gentleman).”
It got even murkier when he hinted that the real decision-maker (aka HE Alalshikh) had already made up his mind not to pursue the fight in the US. Seeing the opportunity, the reporter asked, “Are you gonna go to Callum Smith instead?” To which he answered, “No, this one possibility,” or keeping things “in Las Vegas, T-Mobile,” where Sampson is clearly more comfortable with seeing the fight happen. He even stated, “I love MGM.”
But when the reporter suggested that if the fight went to purse bids and Saudia won, then Benavidez would have to go fight there, Sampson got defensive. He fired back, almost offended, asking, “So you think PBC doesn’t have the money to pay?” before insisting that “This is our home. And we need to come with the money. We will come with the money. Remember that.” Somehow, Bandera Roja is in the same frustrating spot he was in years ago at super middleweight. And just like before, he’s forced to settle for a different opponent.
No Dmitry Bivol? No problem
Last week, Supreme Boxing took to Instagram to confirm that team Benavidez has been denied a shot at Dmitry Bivol. Even Bivol’s manager, Eddie Hearn himself, backed up in a recent chat with Boxing Scene. “The David Benavidez fight has never been close,” he revealed. So, with his dream fight off the table, where does Benavidez go from here?
Well, it seems like his attention has shifted to another Matchroom fighter. Hearn recently hinted, “We’ve had some conversations around Benavidez-Callum Smith,” suggesting that the WBO interim light heavyweight champion could be next in line for the 28-year-old. Fresh out of a unanimous decision win over Joshua Buatsi in Riyadh, the 31-2 boxer could give a tough fight to the Phoenix native. But let’s not jump the gun—nothing is locked in just yet.
Boxing – Callum Smith v Lenin Castillo – Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, Britain – September 25, 2021 Callum Smith celebrates winning his fight against Lenin Castillo Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge
Hearn also mentioned that they’re still weighing options for Smith. That being said, talks seem to be heating up, as Supreme Boxing noted in their post. Their 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”—though they were quick to clarify it’s still just a rumor. If it turns out to be true, a David Benavidez vs. Callum Smith showdown would definitely be one fans would want to see.
With that said, do you think Callum Smith is a worthy alternative? And if David Benavidez vs. Callum Smith happens, who do you think will take home the win? Share your predictions!
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