There are third parties that are worthwhile in the boxing world. Rematches are exciting, but when it comes to breaking the tie, the fight is extremely intense, … and when a world title is at stake, it becomes a high-voltage episode. Currently, Dmitry Bivol vacated his WBC light heavyweight title four months ago, and instead of making a mandatory defense against David Benavidez, who was the interim champion, a third edition is planned to face Artur Beterbiev. Is it necessary?
Benavidez, undefeated with a record of 30 wins with 24 knockouts, will defend the WBC belt for the first time on November 22, the same belt that Bivol handed over administratively. The American with Mexican roots will face Anthony Yarde, who has credentials of 27 wins (24 KOs) and three defeats, in the main event of “The Ring IV” at the ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. However, for the “American Monster” this fight was unnecessary.
The reasons for demeaning his fight against Yarde and the third edition between Russians
When Bivol recovers from his back surgery, the IBF, WBA and WBO at 175 pounds will likely pit him against his Russian rival Artur Beterbiev for the third time. Benavidez has an ulterior motive, but the Phoenix, Arizona native sincerely doesn’t think Bivol-Beterbiev III is necessary. Bivol (24-1, 12 KOs) and Beterbiev (21-1, 20 KOs) split title fights over 12 rounds on October 12 and February 22 in Riyadh, but Benavidez believes the former won both. Beterbiev won their first fight by majority decision and Bivol avenged that loss by majority decision.“I don’t even think it should be a trilogy,”Benavidez told The Ring. “It should have been over from the second fight because I thought Bivol won the first one. So, if Bivol keeps the same fight, unless Beterbiev does something different with the style, throwing more combinations or whatever, I think it’s going to be the same and the same result. I think Bivol comes out on top again.” It is Benavidez’s opinion that Bivol overcame an unsteady start and eventually took control of the rematch.
The controversy in the Bivol – Beterbiev rematch
Judges Mike Fitzgerald (116-112) and Deon Dwarte (115-113) scored in favor of Bivol. Jean-Robert Laine scored the rematch as a draw, 114-114. From Benavidez’s point of view, Fitzgerald was right. “I just noticed that Beterbiev is more of a one-punch guy. He’s not someone who’s going to throw combinations. He’s not going to throw three or four punch combinations that you’re not going to be able to see,” said David Benavidez.
The third fight between Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol does not have a scheduled date at the moment and has been postponed indefinitely due to Artur Beterbiev opting to fight Deon Nicholson in November instead of the trilogy with Bivol, who will undergo surgery. Although there was an expectation that the trilogy would take place, several factors such as financial requests from Bivol, logistical problems in Russia, and Beterbiev’s decision to change opponents, have led to its cancellation for the time being. However, there is still hope for fans to see the Russian fight in 2026.
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