Dmitry Bivol‘s next move has been reported and it doesn’t include Artur Beterbiev.
Bivol became the undisputed light-heavyweight champion in February when he defeated Beterbiev by majority decision, gaining revenge after losing their first meeting back in October.
In the immediate aftermath, it was claimed that a trilogy bout between the two men could be next, with the duo looking to settle the score with their meetings currently level at 1-1.
It seems that will no longer be the case though, after it was revealed that Bivol is close to agreeing a deal to take on an ‘undefeated monster.’
The man in question is David Benavidez, who is the current WBC interim light-heavyweight champion, most recently claiming a victory over David Morrell in February.
That win made him mandatory challenger for the WBC belt at 175lbs, and reporter Julius Julianis has claimed that the promoters of the two light heavyweight stars are close to securing a deal for the fight.
“Attention attention. PBC and Matchroom are very close to finalising an agreement for Bivol and David Benavidez to face each other this summer.”
The sudden announcement has come as a shock to some boxing fans, after Saudi chief Turki Al-Alshikh announced earlier this week that he has no interest in the bout.
“I am no longer interested in Bivol-Benavidez and I will not bid on it. I think Bivol knows who has delivered for him and who hasn’t. My advice: Don’t be late because every day something changes.”
It seems the fight will still go ahead without the involvement of Al-Alshikh, and it won’t be the first time Bivol and Benavidez have shared the ring together after some infamous sparring stories in the past.
