Dmitry Bivol, currently undisputed light heavyweight champion, may not be heading towards an anticipated trilogy fight with Artur Beterbiev after all. Instead, Bivol (34 years old), might instead face Interim WBC Light Heavyweight champion David Benavidez instead – particularly after each won one fight each in their two fight series! Bivol-Beterbiev rivalry remains tantalisingly open.
After their second fight in February this year, boxing fans and insiders alike became excited at the prospect of another match between Bivol and Benavidez. Saudi Boxing Chief Turki Alalshikh also seems interested in this possibility; in his most recent statement he indicated a lean toward facilitating another trilogy match instead. Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing also signaled their preference towards continuing this rivalry further with Riyadh Season and another fight in Riyadh Season this time around.
Bivol’s Dilemma: Title Defense, Benavidez, and Overlooked Trilogy
Despite the push for a trilogy fight in Saudi Arabia, the boxing sanctioning bodies had different ideas for Bivol. The WBC mandated him to defend his title against Benavidez, presenting Bivol with multiple challenging pathways to navigate. Reports suggest Bivol is gravitating towards accepting the fight with Benavidez, indicating a close to finalizing deal between PBC and Matchroom Boxing for this summer matchup.
After experiencing a loss to Beterbiev, Bivol had requested an immediate rematch, sidelining Beterbiev’s mandatory defense obligations. This maneuver led to their second encounter. Now, with the tables turned, there’s a noticeable shift in course as Bivol opts not to extend the trilogy favor, a move that has not gone unnoticed by boxing fans.
Fan Reactions: Debating Fairness Towards Beterbiev
Some fans feel Bivol’s choice to pursue a different opponent instead of completing the trilogy with Beterbiev represents an injustice, reminiscent of Beterbiev’s speculated remarks on a potential rematch scenario had he won the first fight. Doubts about the Bivol vs. Benavidez fight’s fruition also surfaced among fans, emphasizing the influence of Turki Alalshikh in orchestrating major boxing events. Despite such skepticism, it appears that Bivol and his team might be proceeding without Alalshikh’s backing if rumors are true.
Fans believe Bivol’s decision to face Benavidez stems from an alliance between Matchroom and PBC to bypass complications associated with Alalshikh’s influence. Fans speculate on the outcome of this matchup with many expecting Bivol to showcase dominant performances before potentially returning for round three with Beterbiev in wintertime.
Bivol’s decision to forgoing an immediate trilogy fight against Beterbiev in favor of facing Benavidez has generated much discussion within boxing circles, prompting discussions as to Bivol’s strategies and priorities, leading to various discussions as to what should come next for an undisputed champion.