Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev have already made their choice in favor of a third fight. It is expected to take place in Moscow as part of an event organized by IBA Umar Kremlov.
The absolute world champion in the light heavyweight division, Dmitry Bivol, has decided to relinquish his WBC title for the opportunity to hold a third match with Artur Beterbiev.
According to information provided by BoxingScene.com, Bivol's team has already notified the WBC of their intention to vacate the belt.
This decision was made after WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman announced the initiation of a purse bid for Bivol's fight with interim champion David Benavidez. However, the scheduled purse bid on April 8 was canceled after Bivol's refusal. As a result, Benavidez will now automatically receive the status of full WBC champion.
This development did not please the current WBC champion David "Mexican Monster" Benavidez (30-0, 24 KOs), who has long challenged former champions but has yet to see a fight materialize.
In an interview with DAZN Boxing, Benavidez expressed his disappointment: "I am very upset that I won't be able to fight these guys next. I respect their choice, but Bivol promised a fight to Beterbiev. How long do I have to wait? We have waited a whole year, but nothing has happened. What should I do? I will fight those who are in the rankings."
On November 22, Benavidez will face former contender Anthony Yarde, and he already knows who will be next: "We choose the best and wait for the strongest to appear. I wanted to fight Callum Smith, but I think Yarde will be just as good. After winning against Yarde, most likely the next will be Smith..."
