Dmitry Bivol’s abandonment as WBC light heavyweight champion gave a whole twist to the boxing world in recent days.
The Russian refused to fight David Benavidez, which leaves the “Mexican Monster” as the reigning champion of the category, and the expected clash between the two seems to be light years away, but a new door to finally have that desired fight opened for the now WBC champion.
After months and months of getting a negative response, it seems that the fight between Benavidez and Saul Canelo Alvarez could be closer than ever with all these movements.
“I just got the news that Bivol decided to vacate his title instead of fighting me,” Benavidez posted on social media. “That makes me the WBC light heavyweight world champion. It’s not the ideal way to become a world champion, but I’m still the WBC light heavyweight world champion and I intend to give the best fights.”
Canelo’s agenda for 2025
On May 3, Canelo will begin his mission to regain his old undisputed crown when he takes on Cuba’s William Scull for the IBF title, and if he wins, as many expect, he will become undisputed champion once again.
Subsequently, one of the most eagerly anticipated fights of recent years between Canelo and Terence Crawford will take place in September, and a potential rematch against Bivol in 2026 was also expected.
But now that Benavidez has the title and the world championship belt in his hands, Canelo will hardly be able to avoid a fight he has been avoiding for a couple of years.
Alvarez’s message on social media
Faced with all these changes, the Mexican left an intriguing message on his social networks.
“Rain, snow or shine, we don’t stop,” the super middleweight champion wrote in his Instagram story, with a black and white video showing Canelo in training.
The Mexican champion’s training videos show his dedication and professionalism ahead of his next fight, which will take place early next month, and assuming he beats Scull and Crawford, he will still have two fights remaining in a four-fight deal with Riyadh Season until 2026.
Bivol’s name was a possibility, but now Benavidez stands out as a great opportunity that Canelo can no longer avoid, and after dismissing Benavidez’s achievements, the conversation took an unexpected turn.
The world title held by Benavidez is a difficult lure to ignore, especially if Canelo intends to move up in weight class.
For now, nothing is decided, and a trilogy between Bivol and Artur Beterbiev looks increasingly likely, while Benavidez will have to decide who his first challenger will be.
It is a fact that very interesting months are coming in the world of pugilism.
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