WBC Orders Bivol to Defend Against Benavidez
Undisputed light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol (24-1, 12 KOs) has been officially mandated by the World Boxing Council (WBC) to defend his title against the formidable David Benavidez (30-0, 24 KOs). This decision, announced by WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman, places Bivol in a pivotal position where he must choose between defending his WBC belt against Benavidez or vacating it to pursue other high-profile matches. The decision is not merely a formality but a significant moment in the light heavyweight division, as it promises to bring much-needed excitement and new dynamics to the ring.
The Pressure Mounts: Bivol’s Decision
The WBC’s order places substantial pressure on Bivol. If he chooses to defend his title against Benavidez, he will face a relentless and highly skilled opponent. Benavidez, known as "The Mexican Monster," is a force to be reckoned with, possessing a non-stop pressure style, speedy combinations, and an uncanny ability to cut off the ring. These skills are precisely what could neutralize Bivol’s usual tactics, which have been effective against other opponents but might falter against Benavidez. On the other hand, if Bivol decides to pay Benavidez a step-aside fee, he would need to offer a significant sum of money, and even then, it’s a risky move given that fans and the boxing community are eager to see this matchup.
Fan Demand and the Boring Reign
The decision is also influenced by the growing discontent among U.S. fans, who have found Bivol’s and Beterbiev’s recent fights to be lackluster. Bivol’s defensive style, characterized by constant ring running, and Beterbiev’s perceived slowness and fatigue have left many viewers unimpressed. The light heavyweight division, once a source of thrilling action, has been criticized for its recent lack of dynamism. Fans are clamoring for a change, and Benavidez, with his aggressive and entertaining style, represents the new blood that could revive the division. His victory over WBA ‘regular’ champion David Morrell on February 1st has only solidified his claim for a shot at Bivol.
The Promotional Dilemma
Bivol’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, is well aware of the potential challenges that Benavidez poses to his fighter. Hearn has expressed a preference for more lucrative and potentially more exciting options for Bivol’s next fight. Among the top choices are a rematch with Canelo Alvarez, a bout with former undisputed champion Artur Beterbiev, and a match against Callum Smith. Each of these options carries significant appeal and could generate substantial interest and revenue. However, the WBC’s mandate means that Bivol must first address the Benavidez threat, or else risk losing his WBC title.
Beterbiev’s Relevance and the Trilogy Match
The potential for a Bivol vs. Beterbiev trilogy match remains a topic of interest, particularly for the Saudi Arabian promoter Turki Alalshikh. Beterbiev, despite his recent close loss to Bivol, remains a formidable opponent. He has already defeated Bivol once and came agonizingly close to doing so again in their February rematch. The judges scored the bout 115-113, 116-112 for Bivol, and 114-114, although many felt it was a draw. The trilogy match could provide a compelling storyline and generate significant boxing interest, especially if Beterbiev is able to secure another victory.
Looking Forward
As the boxing world waits to see how Bivol will respond to the WBC’s mandate, the stage is set for a potentially historic and highly anticipated matchup. Whether Bivol chooses to face Benavidez or pursue other options, the decision will have significant ramifications for the light heavyweight division. The light heavyweight class has the potential to become one of the most exciting in boxing, and the outcome of Bivol’s next steps will play a crucial role in determining its future. upholsterers, fans, and boxing enthusiasts alike will be watching closely to see how this saga unfolds.
