David Benavidez has earned the shot at challenging for the four titles against the new undisputed light heavyweight champion, Dmitry Bivol, next. However, the situation is still unclear about who Bivol (24-1, 12 KOs) will fight next.
The Mandate
The WBC said this yesterday: “Dimitry Bivol must fight David Benavidez next.”
If the World Boxing Council is adamant that Bivol “must” defend his WBC 175-lb title against Benavidez (30-0, 24 KOs), he must do that or vacate his belt. Money might change the WBC’s mind about forcing Bivol to face Benavidez if he, Turki Alalshikh or his promoters Matchroom are dead set against that fight happening.
It’s doubtful that a prideful person like Bivol would be willing to give up his undisputed status so quickly after working hard for it with his narrow 12 round majority decision win over Artur Beterbiev on February 22nd.
Bivol’s true options
– Artur Beterbiev
– David Benavidez
– Callum Smith
– Gilberto Ramirez: *At cruiserweight
Bivol’s promoters have shown zero interest in a fight against Benavidez and will refuse it if Turki offers it.
Money Talks
Turki Alalshikh mentioned wanting to match former champion Artur Beterbiev against Bivol next in a trilogy. However, Bivol and his promoters, Eddie Hearn and Frank Smith, have other ideas. They all want Canelo or whatever fight pays the best. It comes down to what Turki wants because he’s the one who will be paying to make these fights.
Canelo isn’t a serious possibility because he’s no longer taking risky fights. Although he would take the rematch with Bivol, it wouldn’t be financially worth it because he would likely want as much or more than what he’s being paid for his September 13th fight against Terence Crawford.
At this point in his career, Alvarez is essentially taking easy fights for money, and he hasn’t faced a stern test since his loss to Bivol in 2022. Canelo and his management viewed that fight as a mistake. Bivol had looked poor in his recent contests against Umar Salamov and Craig Richards. He appeared to be an easy mark.
Bivol-Canelo 2 wouldn’t create a lot of interest in the U.S because Bivol isn’t popular with casual fans, has no charisma, and his interviews are him saying the same thing like a broken record.
Last Updated on 02/27/2025
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