It has not been easy for David Benavidez to get what he wants. Benavidez has been angling for a Canelo Alvarez matchup for years, and everyone knows how that story has played out. Recently, Benavidez had been clear that he wanted a shot at the winner of the Dmitry Bivol vs. Artur Beterbiev fight.
It lined up rather perfectly given the titles at stake and the level of all three fighters. But the outcome of the fight didn’t make it easy for it to happen, at least not yet. If Beterbiev had won the second fight, it would have eliminated any chance of a trilogy bout. But with Bivol winning, the trilogy is looking increasing likely of taking priority over everything, including a fight between Benavidez and Bivol, much to the chagrin of Benavidez and some boxing fanatics.
Eddie Hearn believes Turki Alalshikh wants the Bivol-Beterbiev trilogy fight next
Matchroom Boxing chairman Eddie Hearn confirmed as much in a recent interview with BoxingScene. Hearn is Bivol’s promoter, but it will be up to Turki Alalshikh to determine the fighter’s next move. And in Hearn’s mind, Beterbiev will be next up.
Don’t forget, that first fight was razor thin, and Turki said, ‘I want to see that again.’ And to be fair to him, he made it happen in four months. Unbelievable. The second fight was also close, and I think he’ll say to Beterbiev that ‘You will get your shot… They should run it back, because it’s a brilliant fight. We also love Benavidez against Bivol. But for me, it will be the trilogy next.
No one can really blame Alalshikh if that’s the direction he goes in. After all, time isn’t exactly on Beterbiev’s side at 40 years old. He certainly held his own in the second fight and isn’t far removed from his win over Bivol, but most believe Bivol should win more handily in the third fight.
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