Dmitry Bivol’s decision to vacate the WBC light heavyweight title came as a shock to Jose Benavidez Sr.-not just because of the timing, but because of what it means for David Benavidez’s next move.
“I didn’t think Bivol would drop the belt like that,”Benavidez Sr. said in a recent interview with MillCity Boxing. “We were hoping to make that fight happen.” Now, with Bivol focused on finishing his trilogy with unified champ Artur Beterbiev, Team Benavidez is pivoting-and quickly.
Instead of waiting around, Jose Sr. is already floating two high-profile names as potential first title defense opponents for David: Callum Smith and Anthony Yarde. Neither bout is a cakewalk, but both offer serious intrigue for fans.
With Bivol out, the road gets tougher, but Benavidez still wants all the smoke
Anthony Yarde is set to fight Lyndon Arthur in London on April 26, which could push any potential showdown with Benavidez to late summer or early fall. Meanwhile, Callum Smith is coming off a rebound performance following his loss to Beterbiev and holds the WBO interim belt, giving him leverage to wait for the Bivol-Beterbiev trilogy fallout.
That leverage may be the sticking point. “Smith’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, might not want to risk that WBC fight if he thinks Bivol or Beterbiev is a better payday,”Benavidez Sr. acknowledged.
Still, Team Benavidez is staying flexible-and aggressive. “Whoever the fans want, we’ll fight. These are not easy fights, but we’re not looking for easy,” Jose Sr. said. “We just want to keep pushing forward.”
The long-term goal remains unchanged: a mega-fight with either Bivol or Beterbiev, depending on how that trilogy shakes out. “Let them finish their business. We’ll be ready for the winner-or loser,”Benavidez Sr. said.
And in case anyone forgot, Canelo’s name is still floating in the ether.“We’ll fight him at 168, 175, cruiserweight-whatever,” said Jose Sr.“But with him, there’s always some excuse.”
Until then, it’s all eyes on who steps up first.
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