For months, fans have been buzzing about a potential clash between Dmitry Bivol and David Benavidez. Now, that high-stakes showdown might finally be getting closer-at least on paper.
The WBC has officially scheduled a purse bid for Tuesday at noon ET, as confirmed by president Mauricio Sulaiman on social media. That move signals real momentum toward making the fight a reality, even if some major figures in boxing aren’t on board.
Bivol currently holds the WBC light heavyweight title, while Benavidez owns the interim belt. If the two sides can’t agree to terms, the purse bid will determine who gets promotional rights to the bout-with a 60-40 revenue split favoring Bivol, per veteran boxing reporter Dan Rafael.
But the backdrop is more complicated than it looks.
No Saudi backing, no guarantees
While fans see Bivol vs. Benavidez as one of the best matchups in boxing, influential promoter Turki Alalshikh isn’t biting. Alalshikh, who was instrumental in organizing Bivol’s two fights with Artur Beterbiev, says he has zero interest in this one.
“I will not bid on it,” Alalshikh told BoxingScene. “My advice to Bivol: don’t be late because every day something changes.”
That statement could have major implications. Without Saudi financial muscle behind the scenes, the fight could shift to U.S. soil-or fizzle out entirely.
Meanwhile, Benavidez’s team is pressing forward. Promoter Sampson Lewkowicz says he’s fully prepared to win the purse bid and partner with PBC to stage the fight in Las Vegas. He also didn’t mince words when it came to working with Alalshikh.
“I have no problem working with them,” Lewkowicz said. “But I will not kiss his ring.”
What’s at stake if the purse bid fails
Should negotiations fall apart after the bid, the WBC may strip Bivol of his title. In that case, Benavidez-undefeated at 30-0 with 24 KOs-would likely face another contender for the vacant belt.
Bivol, now 24-1 (12 KOs), could instead move forward with a trilogy fight against Beterbiev, as both men currently sit at one win apiece in their rivalry.
Whether Tuesday marks a turning point or just another twist in boxing’s political chess game remains to be seen. But with power players lining up and stakes this high, all eyes will be on that purse bid.
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