Dmitry Bivol, in a surprising and puzzling twist, has opted to vacate his much sought-after WBClight heavyweight title, leaving behind the purse bid that promised a fight against David Benavidez. This decision has left his challenger in a vulnerable position, while what was to be an impressive showdown now dissolves with a very clear plan
Bivol will take the IBF, WBA and WBO belts at 175 pounds with determination, and will launch without hesitation into a trilogy against Artur Beterbiev, a challenge that has become an obsession for Turki and him, the third fight between them is a matter of time
Bivol must decide whether to fight Beterbiev in a trilogy that will make him a lot of money and elevate his legacy to the highest level. It is no secret that the economic issue makes a big difference in his decision making, as he has always supported Turki on social media
Bivol will face Beterbiev again
At this point, it is very clear who Dmitry Bivol’s next opponent will be, as a third fight makes sense. Both have a 1-1 record and the trilogy would be the best way to close this rivalry
Mauricio Sulaiman, president of the WBC, commented from his X account that Bivol was backing out of a possible fight against Benavidez and was going to return the belt:
I have just received a cold and impersonal notification from Dmitry Bivol’s lawyer, Patrick English, with arguments so ridiculous that I prefer not to comment on the decision to inform the WBC that Dmitry Bivol has decided to relinquish his WBC light heavyweight championship. We wish Bivol success and confirm David Benavidez as the WBC light heavyweight world champion
Benavidez new champion
That’s right, Mauricio himself confirmed this in that post in which we could bet that he was annoyed by Bivol’s attitude towards the resignation of the belt. Now, they will have to turn the page and think of another opponent for the ‘Mexican Monster’
Who could be the right opponent? Clearly Artur Beterbiev and Bivol should be ruled out, Morrell could be given a chance, but the WBC will have the final say in this scenario that will have everyone paying close attention.
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