Stevenson Champions the Benavidez vs. Bivol Fight
Shakur Stevenson, the rising star in the boxing world, is a strong advocate for a fight between undisputed light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol and WBA mandatory challenger David Benavidez. Stevenson believes this matchup is one of the most compelling and significant in the sport today. "Benavidez vs. Bivol is up there with the best fights that can be made in the sport of boxing," Stevenson told Ring Magazine. This sentiment is shared by many boxing fans and analysts who see the potential for a thrilling and historically relevant bout.
The Challengers and the Champion
Dmitry Bivol, with a record of 24-1 and 12 knockouts, has solidified his place as one of the top light heavyweights in the world. His recent victory over Artur Beterbiev by unanimous decision in Riyadh further cemented his status. However, this win also brought him a new challenge in the form of David Benavidez, a powerful contender with a perfect record of 30-0 and 24 knockouts. Benavidez is known for his high punch output, immense power, robust chin, youth, and fearlessness, making him a formidable opponent for Bivol. The combination of these two fighters’ skills and reputations has created a buzz in the boxing community.
Promotional Influence and Belt Decisions
Despite the excitement surrounding a Benavidez vs. Bivol fight, the road to this matchup is not without obstacles. Bivol’s promoters at Matchroom and the World Boxing Council (WBC) play significant roles in determining his next opponent. Matchroom, led by promoter Eddie Hearn, has a strong influence on Bivol’s fight choices. Hearn’s relationship with Turki Alalshikh, who has the final say on Bivol’s next opponent, adds another layer of complexity. There is a possibility that Hearn and Matchroom will push for easier, more lucrative fights for Bivol, which could result in the WBC belt being vacated.
Historical Context and Promotional Dynamics
The WBC has a history of allowing popular fighters to avoid mandatory defenses, often to the detriment of deserving challengers. Bivol, being a highly regarded and popular fighter, is no exception. The WBC might let him hold onto his belt while choosing to fight other prominent names like WBA super champion Dmitry Bivol, Canelo Alvarez, or Callum Smith. These matchups, suggested by Hearn, are more financially attractive and carry less risk. This dynamic makes it even less likely that Benavidez will get his shot at the title, despite his mandatory status.
Benavidez’s Determination and History
David Benavidez is not one to back down from a challenge. His determination and fighting spirit have been evident throughout his career. In a recent interview, Benavidez revealed a controversial sparring session with Bivol, where he claimed to have dominated the champion with a 20-punch burst and nearly knocked him down. He was subsequently barred from sparring Bivol again. This incident has only fueled Benavidez’s desire to face Bivol in a real fight, adding an extra layer of personal rivalry to the already high-stakes bout.
The Future of the Light Heavyweight Division
The light heavyweight division is at a crossroads, with several potential blockbuster fights on the horizon. While the Benavidez vs. Bivol matchup is a fan favorite, the promotional and financial landscape may dictate otherwise. For now, the boxing world watches closely as Hearn and Matchroom navigate the complexities of fight negotiations. Regardless of the outcome, the light heavyweight division remains one of the most exciting in boxing, with fighters like Stevenson, Bivol, and Benavidez leading the charge.
