The Undisputed Light Heavyweight Champion’s Predicament
Dmitry Bivol, the newly crowned undisputed light heavyweight champion, has found himself in a peculiar situation. While his impressive victories have solidified his status in the boxing world, his team’s reluctance to face David Benavidez is raising eyebrows. This reluctance stems from a troubling revelation by Benavidez, who claims that he once dominated Bivol in a sparring session, nearly knocking him down. Instead, Bivol’s promoters, including Matchroom’s Eddie Hearn, are pushing for high-profile fights against Canelo Alvarez, a trilogy with Artur Beterbiev, or a less risky match with Callum Smith. The mention of Smith over the undefeated Benavidez is a clear indication of the protective stance taken by Bivol’s camp, wary of the potential threat Benavidez poses.
Bivol’s Promoters and Their Options
Bivol’s promoters are not leaving stones unturned in their quest to find the right opponent for their champ. The top choices on their radar are Artur Beterbiev, Canelo Alvarez, and Callum Smith. A trilogy with Beterbiev, who is 40 and still a formidable force, would be a natural progression given their recent history. Bivol’s narrow victory in their rematch on February 22nd in Riyadh suggests that he could have a strong case for another bout. Similarly, a rematch with Canelo Alvarez, who Bivol defeated in May 2023 to claim the WBA light heavyweight title, would generate significant buzz and financial rewards. However, the safer option of Callum Smith, who, while a good fighter, lacks the same level of threat as Benavidez, is also on the table. This strategic selection process underscores the delicate balance between maintaining Bivol’s unbeaten streak and ensuring his safety in the ring.
Benavidez’s Sparring Revelation
David Benavidez, currently undefeated with a record of 30-0 and 24 knockouts, has emerged as a potential nemesis for Bivol. In a recent interview on X, Benavidez revealed a sparring session where he says he trapped Bivol in the corner and unleashed a flurry of 15-20 punches, nearly dropping the champion. "Yeah, I almost dropped him, and I’m not lying. I don’t have to lie about anything. There were a lot of people there who had seen the sparring," Benavidez stated. "It was a great sparring session. I sparred Bivol a couple of times, but the last time I sparred him, I almost dropped him. I had caught him into the corner. We had four rounds, and this was in the last 20 seconds. I lit his a** up with 15-20 shots. I’m not lying about that at all, but after the round ended, they said they didn’t want to spar anymore." This revelation has cast a shadow over Bivol’s confidence and has made his team wary of a fight with Benavidez.
The Kryptonite Factor
Benavidez’s combination punching and fearlessness are particularly troubling for Bivol. Bivol, known for his strategic and methodical approach, thrives on outthinking his opponents and maintaining a steady pace throughout fights. However, Benavidez’s aggressive style and raw power could be the kryptonite that exposes Bivol’s vulnerabilities. The sparring session, as described by Benavidez, highlights a moment where Bivol’s composure and defense were severely tested. If Bivol’s team believes that Benavidez can replicate this performance in a real fight, it’s understandable why they are looking at other options. The fear of ending Bivol’s short reign as the four-belt 175-lb champion is a significant factor in their decision-making process.
The WBC Ruling and Its Implications
The World Boxing Council (WBC) has ruled that Bivol must defend his title against Benavidez next. However, this ruling is largely symbolic, as the WBC lacks the power to enforce it. Even if they attempted to force Bivol into the fight, he would likely vacate the belt to avoid the risk. Bivol’s camp would first try to negotiate a step-aside deal with Benavidez, but if he refuses, the belt would be vacated. The WBC’s decision, while acknowledging Benavidez’s credentials, doesn’t carry the weight necessary to compel Bivol’s team to agree to a fight. This lack of enforcement mechanisms further complicates the situation and leaves Benavidez in limbo, despite his impressive record and the WBC’s mandate.
The Future of the Light Heavyweight Division
The light heavyweight division is at a crossroads with the emergence of Benavidez as a serious contender and Bivol’s recent undisputed championship win. The division could see a new dynamic if Benavidez is given the chance to challenge Bivol. However, the current scenario of protectionism and risk aversion by Bivol’s camp is likely to stifle this potential. Fans and boxing enthusiasts are eagerly waiting to see if Bivol’s promoters will reconsider their stance, especially given the public interest in a Benavidez vs. Bivol matchup. The outcome of this situation will not only affect Bivol and Benavidez but will also have broader implications for the light heavyweight division, influencing future title defenses and potential matchups. The boxing world is watching closely, hoping for a resolution that will lead to an exciting and fair fight.
