The World Boxing Council have revealed their new light heavyweight champion after Dmitry Bivol vacated his crown.
Bivol achieved his dream of becoming the undisputed champion at 175lbs on February 22 when he defeated Artur Beterbiev in their highly anticipated rematch, avenging the defeat that he suffered in their first encounter four months earlier.
Despite the rumours that the Russian superstars could meet in a huge trilogy showdown later this year, the WBC gate-crashed these plans by naming WBC ‘Interim’ world champion David Benavidez as the mandatory challenger to Bivol’s crown, claiming that the 34-year-old must face ‘The Monster’ next.
Just one day before purse bids for Bivol vs. Benavidez were set to take place. the newly-crowned undisputed champion made the shock decision to relinquish his WBC title, something team Bivol say they were ‘forced’ to do.
Letter I have obtained. It is from Bivol attorney Pat English to WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman regarding Bivol vacating the WBC light heavyweight title, ending his undisputed champion status. #boxingpic.twitter.com/TAxxI2SczB
— Dan Rafael (@DanRafael1) April 7, 2025
The move has subsequently led to Benavidez being elevated to full world champion having held the ‘Interim’ title since last June.
In response to claims made by Bivol’s lawyer that he was made to vacate his crown, WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman spoke on his personal twitter page to share his thoughts on the situation as he officially names ‘The Monster’ as the new WBC world light heavyweight champion.
“I have just received a cold and impersonal notification from Dmitry Bivol lawyer, Patrick English, with arguments that are so ridiculous that I rather not discuss informing the WBC that Dmitry Bivol has decided to relinquish his WBC light heavyweight championship. We wish Bivol success and hereby confirm David Benavidez as WBC world light heavyweight champion”
In light of this shock update, it is now expected that the third fight between Bivol and Beterbiev will take place next, with the winner potentially in line to lock horns with WBC champion Benavidez at a later date.
