Dmitry Bivol is now undisputed light-heavyweight champion of the world after running it back with Artur Beterbiev.
Bivol was served his first defeat in the pair’s first meeting, becoming the only man to take big-punching Beterbiev the distance but also the first to lose to him on points.
Given the elite boxing on show and a relatively contentious result, a rematch was signed quickly. Where Bivol may have let the fight slip away first time around, he was more active in the second, finishing strong and using every ounce of skill and grit he has to win via majority decision.
There are not many fans who would turn down the opportunity to watch a trilogy bout between the two elite Russians, however the WBC has now ordered mandatory challenger and Interim Champion, David Benavidez, to get his shot next.
Whether or not the champion opts for the third fight with Beterbiev, which has the backing of Turki Alalshikh and Riyadh Season, or the Benavidez defence, which does not, remains to be seen. While there will often be potential for a step aside deal to be struck, Benavidez’ promoter has said in no uncertain terms that they will not be entertaining anything of that nature.
The WBC is faced with potentially stripping Bivol if he does not voluntary vacate the belt. President Mauricio Sulaiman spoke to Tha Boxing Voice on the subject and confirmed Benavidez would be immediately elevated should that be the case.
“If Bivol decides to vacate the WBC Championship, then Benavidez becomes champion. He’s interim champion right now, he would become world champion of the WBC.”
Sulaiman then reiterated his desire to see the mandatory fight, and revealed inside information that an offer on the table would almost quadruple Bivol’s purse from the Beterbiev rematch.
“He made 2.7 million in the rematch against Beterbiev and now he’s being offered 8 million to fight Benavidez, so it’s a great opportunity for Bivol as well … I hope Bivol and Benavidez will fight.”
More is expected soon on the matter as the four-belt champion comes out of a rest period and begins to plot his next move.
