Newly-crowned undisputed light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol could be set to face the unbeaten David Benavidez next.
The 34-year-old from Russia captured the undisputed championship at 175lbs last month when he defeated rival Artur Beterbiev via majority decision in their highly anticipated rematch.
In the immediate aftermath of their second fight, it was speculated that a trilogy could be the next fight for both men, which would settle the intense rivalry between two of the best fighters on the planet.
Despite the rumours of a third fight between Bivol and Beterbiev happening, it has also been suggested that reigning WBC ‘Interim’ light heavyweight champion Benavidez could actually be the next opponent for the newly-crowned light heavyweight king.
Speaking to Fight Hub TV, Golden Boy’s Oscar De La Hoya gave his prediction on a potential bout between Bivol and ‘The Monster’, as he admits he would favour Benavidez over the Russian star.
“That’s a tough one. I would go with Benavidez because he’s more active and throws more punches and has better footwork than Beterbiev. He’s smarter up there and knows how to think and how to adjust. I would favour Benavidez.”
Benavidez extended his unbeaten record to 30-0 when he outpointed the previously unbeaten David Morrell on February 1, adding the WBA ‘Regular’ light heavyweight strap to his collection in a thrilling contest at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Another potential opponent for Bivol is Great Britain’s Callum Smith, who defeated countryman Joshua Buatsi to claim the WBO ‘Interim’ light heavyweight title on the undercard of Bivol’s triumph against Beterbiev on February 22 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
