WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson has had his say on the potential showdown between Dmitry Bivol and David Benavidez.
Bivol gained revenge over bitter rival Artur Beterbiev in their rematch in Riyadh on February 22, capturing the undisputed light heavyweight championship and avenging the first defeat of his career which he suffered in their first encounter last October.
Although a trilogy bout between the Russian superstars is expected to be the preferred option for both, this could be put on hold for the newly-crowned champion to make a defence of his titles.
Step forward Benavidez, who currently holds the WBC ‘Interim’ title at 175lbs and has been tipped to be the man who could face Bivol next.
Stevenson was in action himself on that card in Riyadh, defending his WBC lightweight title against late replacement Josh Padley, and now the three-weight world champion has given his take on the light heavyweight scene.
Speaking on Cigar Talk, Stevenson was asked if he would prefer to see Bivol face Beterbiev once again or defend his crown against the unbeaten Benavidez, who has emerged as one of boxing’s brightest stars in recent years.
“I would 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 its the biggest but one of the best as far as like competitive wise.”
Stevenson was then asked to predict the potential showdown.
“I’m leaning towards Bivol, but I know it would be tough with Benavidez with his pressure, just his fighting style overall, [he] is a beast so I see it as Bivol being the winner but it’ll be close.”
Benavidez returned to the ring on February 1 with a unanimous decision victory over the previously unbeaten David Morrell, extending his undefeated record to an impressive 30-0.
