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A high-stakes showdown between Dmitry Bivol and David Benavidez is reportedly in the works for this summer. According to recent reports, the two light-heavyweight standouts could be on a collision course, setting up one of the most anticipated boxing matchups of the year.
Bivol, the undisputed light-heavyweight champion, is coming off a triumphant return to the ring in February. He avenged his lone career defeat in a rematch against Artur Beterbiev, securing a majority decision victory after 12 grueling rounds in Saudi Arabia. Initially, talks of a trilogy bout circulated, but it now appears that Bivol’s next challenge will come from a new opponent—David Benavidez.
Benavidez, known as ‘The Mexican Monster,’ has long sought a fight with super-middleweight star Canelo Alvarez. However, after years of waiting, he moved up to 175 pounds last summer. His decision paid off, as he claimed interim WBC light-heavyweight gold with a dominant decision victory over Oleksandr Gvozdyk. He further solidified his place in the division last month by handing the previously undefeated David Morrell a unanimous decision loss.
Now, the WBC has ordered a fight between Bivol and Benavidez, and according to ESPN Knockout’s Julius Julianus, negotiations are underway. While specific details regarding the bout are still scarce, one thing is clear—the fight will take place without the backing of Turki Alalshikh. The Saudi advisor, who was key in promoting Bivol’s rematch against Beterbiev, has publicly distanced himself from this potential matchup.
“I am no longer interested in Bivol-Benavidez and I will not bid on it,” Alalshikh told The Ring Magazine. “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.”
With two of the division’s biggest names set to collide, fans are eager to see how this fight unfolds. Will Bivol continue his reign of dominance, or will Benavidez prove he belongs at light-heavyweight by toppling the champion?