Artur Beterbiev beat Dmitry Bivol to become the first undisputed light-heavyweight champion in decades. Now, talk turns to what he does next.
The close-fought contest was the first time knockout artist Beterbiev has been taken the distance in 21 bouts. He won via majority decision – something that has caused widespread debate since.
Whilst an immediate rematch is warranted and likely, the four-belt champion does have a line of contenders waiting for their shot. That includes WBC mandatory challenger David Benavidez, who recently made a successful debut in the division with a win over former Beterbiev foe Oleksandr Gvozdyk.
Benavidez’ father and trainer recently joined Pro Box TV to discuss the championship bout, revealing he scored it by one round to Bivol.
“To me, it was a very close fight. A very entertaining fight. But nobody really got hurt. So, in my opinion, I think it could’ve been a draw. I had Bivol winning by maybe one point, but at the end of the day I’m not a judge.”
Asked who he would have rather fought between the two elite operators, Jose Benavidez Sr said Bivol due to their history – or lack thereof – with Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez.
“They’re different styles. I always said I wanted to fight Bivol because he beat Canelo. He beat Zurdo Ramirez. So this would be the third Mexican he would be facing, that would make it more interesting … Beterbiev, he’s a dangerous fighter, don’t get me wrong. I would love to fight him tomorrow. But at the end of the day, Canelo didn’t want to fight David, but if he beats Bivol we beat the one that beat the one. To me that’s more satisfying and more interesting. But either or, we can definitely fight.”
On whether or not the rematch upsets the team’s plans, the trainer remained optimistic.
“I don’t think about that. We’re not frustrated. We do what we do. Timing is everything. If it’s meant to be it’s meant to be, if not why chase something that’s never gonna happen? He’s young, he’s 27-years-old. We gotta be patient. There’s no frustration. David’s doing good, getting paid very well.”
“David’s next fight is David Morrell. Everyone is super excited about it. We’ve been trying to make that fight for three years but I believe David Morrell needed a little more experience to show the world that he deserves this fight.”
That is expected to take place in January of 2025.
