Hall of Famer James Toney has summed up David Benavidez‘s chances of stopping Dmitry Bivol when they inevitably clash.
Benavidez was elevated to full WBC world champion earlier this year after Bivol opted to vacate the title to pursue a trilogy clash with countryman Artur Beterbiev.
Russian superstar Bivol defeated Beterbiev in their highly anticipated rematch in Saudi Arabia back in February to capture the undisputed light-heavyweight championship.
Whilst Bivol and Beterbiev were expected to meet for the third time before the end of the year, these plans were put on hold after the former suffered an injury to his lower back which is expected to keep him out of action until 2026.
With a potential clash between Bivol and Benavidez happening in the future, retired three-weight world champion Toney shared his verdict to Mill City Boxing on the match-up, as he backs ‘The Mexican Monster’ to stop the Russian star.
“Benavidez, he’s busier and hits harder. He stops Bivol.”
Benavidez previously held the WBC super-middleweight title on two occasions between 2017 and 2020 but opted to make the move up to 175lbs last year after he failed to secure a showdown with Mexican icon Canelo Alvarez.
The 28-year-old from Phoenix is gearing up to make the maiden defence of his WBC world light-heavyweight title next month which is set to come against Britain’s Anthony Yarde at the ANB Arena in Riyadh on Saturday November 22.
Victory for Benavidez could land him an opportunity to face Bivol during the early stages of 2026, as he sets his sights on becoming the undisputed light-heavyweight champion.
