Dmitry Bivol has a big decision to make.
The elite light-heavyweight currently holds all four world titles in the division after a rematch win over Artur Beterbiev, who won their first meeting to himself become undisputed.
A trilogy bout is a logical next step given that the score it now tied and the 24 rounds shared have been some of the most skilled in recent memory. However, there are top contenders in waiting and, as much as some fans may disagree, the two Russians can’t continue to go back and forth forever.
The WBC was first to act, announcing that Interim Champion David Benavidez – who also holds the WBA Regular belt after an impressive win over David Morrell – is now due his shot at Bivol.
Speaking to Boxing Scene, the promoter of Benavidez, Sampson Lewkowicz, said in no uncertain terms that his man would accept nothing less that a full title shot next.
“This is the only fight that we like. There’s no other fight. Now, everybody is talking about Callum Smith. It could happen, only for the WBC full title. Not for any other thing. There is no more interim championship for Benavidez. He never took a step aside. And you can send a message to everyone that it will never happen with the full WBC title.
“The president Mauricio Sulaiman says … a purse bid or you go straight to strip [Bivol] if he doesn’t fight the interim champion, David Benavidez.”
Asked if there had been any discussions on the fight, Lewkowicz said no and that an offer received was for another interim title defence instead.
“No, there was an offer from the other side [Riyadh Season] to fight somebody else. Good money-wise, but money does not buy loyalty. Loyalty, for us, is the WBC at this moment.”
It appears that the sides have reached a stalemate, with Riyadh Season’s Turki Alalshikh recently declaring that he is not interested in staging Bivol vs Benavidez. Fans will wait and see how the WBC now acts.
