Bivol and Benavidez on the Brink of a Summer Showdown
Undisputed light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol and his WBC mandatory opponent David Benavidez are reportedly close to finalizing a deal for a much-anticipated summer clash. This news has been stirring the boxing world, as both fighters’ promoters—Matchroom for Bivol and Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) for Benavidez—are diligently working to put the deal together. The WBC’s recent mandate for Bivol (24-1, 12 KOs) to negotiate with Benavidez (30-0, 24 KOs) by April 8th has only added to the urgency. The fight, expected to take place this summer, will see Bivol defend his four belts in what promises to be a thrilling encounter.
Negotiations Heating Up
“Attention attention!!! PBC and Matchroom are very close to finalizing a deal for Bivol and David Benavidez to face off this summer,” announced JuliusJulianis on X. This statement has fans and pundits alike on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating the official announcement. The negotiations are progressing swiftly, with both camps keen to secure a deal that benefits their fighters. The stakes are high, and the potential for a historic fight is undeniable.
A Battle of Styles and Substance
Fans are particularly excited about this match-up, as it offers a stark contrast in styles and a promise of nonstop action. Benavidez, known for his aggressive and slugger approach, brings a dynamic that many boxing enthusiasts find irresistible. His recent victory over David Morrell has only solidified his status as a formidable force in the light heavyweight division. On the other hand, Bivol’s technical prowess and strategic mind make him a well-rounded champion who is equally dangerous. The combination of these two distinct styles is a recipe for a memorable fight that could captivate audiences worldwide.
Declining Interest in a Bivol-Beterbiev Trilogy
There is a noticeable decline in interest for a third fight between Bivol and Artur Beterbiev. Their previous two encounters, while significant in the annals of boxing history, were more chess matches than the thrilling brawls fans crave. The lack of dynamic action and the predictability of their strategies have left many boxing enthusiasts yearning for a more exciting match-up. This is where Benavidez fits in perfectly, offering a fresh and action-packed alternative that aligns with modern fan preferences.
Potential Future Opponents
The winner of the Bivol vs. Benavidez fight will have several high-profile options for their next challenge. One of the most logical and lucrative matches could be against former four-belt champion Artur Beterbiev, who remains a formidable opponent. However, the more intriguing possibility is a potential bout with Canelo Alvarez, one of the biggest names in boxing. While Alvarez might prefer to face Bivol due to his lower risk of being knocked out, the prospect of a clash with Benavidez is also captivating, given Benavidez’s reputation for delivering exciting fights.
Turki Alalshikh’s Considerations
There is no word yet from Turki Alalshikh, the promoter with significant stakes in Bivol’s career, on whether he will push for a Bivol-Beterbiev trilogy. Some speculate that Alalshikh is hesitant about this match-up, possibly due to a lack of confidence in Bivol’s ability to defeat the younger and more aggressive Benavidez. Instead, he might be more inclined to support a fight that maximizes Bivol’s chances of winning and maintaining his championship status. As the negotiations continue, the boxing world will be closely watching to see how this unfolds and which direction the promoters ultimately take.
