David Benavidez has fought his way to the top of the pile at light-heavyweight.
Though Benavidez has had just two fights at 175 pounds, wins over former champion Oleksandr Gvozdyk and rising Cuban star David Morrell have secured him the WBC Interim belt and the WBA Regular title.
Benavidez is now mandatory challenger to face the winner of the undisputed rematch between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol.
The two Russians first faced off last October, with Beterbiev ending his 100% knockout streak but managing to win on points for the first time, adding Bivol’s WBA belt to his WBC, WBO and IBF.
Bivol’s right to a rematch was bolstered by an incredibly close fight that fans want to see again, and they return to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on February 22.
Thought Benavidez presents an exciting match-up against either man, Riyadh Season’s Turki Alalshikh has now confirmed that there will be a trilogy bout should Bivol win the rematch.
If that is the case, and neither man retires or drops a belt, Benavidez will be forced to wait for his shot at the very least until the end of the year, though likely longer. He is notoriously ambitious, though, so it is unlikely that he sits on the sidelines, rather he will take on another top contender to secure his position and remind fans why he is one of the most exciting fighters in the sport of boxing.
