Four-weight world champion Shakur Stevenson has had his say on a potential match-up between Dmitry Bivol and David Benavidez.
The light-heavyweight duo have been linked with a showdown over the last 12 months, with reports suggesting that both fighters are keen on sharing a ring at some point in the future.
Benavidez currently reigns as the WBC world champion at 175lbs and was last in action back in November when he stopped Anthony Yarde in the seventh round of their clash at the ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
As for Bivol, the Russian star is yet to make a return to the ring since he defeated rival Artur Beterbiev in their rematch just over one year ago, but the 35-year-old is expected to face IBF mandatory challenger Michael Eifert in the summer.
Speaking on the Cigar Talk Podcast, Stevenson was asked if he would rather see a trilogy clash between Bivol and Beterbiev or whether he would prefer to see the former face Benavidez instead.
“I’d rather see the Benavidez [fight]. I mean, Beterbiev deserves a trilogy technically, because of the first fight. I thought Bivol won the first fight too but me, I think that Benavidez and Bivol is another fight that is one of the biggest and best fights in the sport of boxing. I don’t know if it’s the biggest but one of the best as far as like competitive wise.”
Stevenson was then asked who he believes will be victorious if Bivol and Benavidez go on to face each other.
“I’m leaning towards Bivol, but I know like it will be tough with Benavidez with his pressure.”
Benavidez is currently preparing for his debut at cruiserweight which is set to take place against unified WBA and WBO champion Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez in May.
It remains to be seen whether ‘The Mexican Monster’ will drop back down to 175lbs after he faces Ramirez, but the prospect of clashing with Bivol could prove to be the deciding factor for the 29-year-old.
