On February 23, the World Boxing Council (WBC) announced its requirement for Dmitry Bivol to defend his light heavyweight title against mandatory challenger David Benavidez. This matchup is highly anticipated, as Bivol, currently holding 24 wins with just one loss, faces 30-year-old Benavidez, who boasts an impressive record of 30 wins and no losses.
Following his majority decision victory over Artur Beterbiev, Bivol has solidified his status as one of boxing's elite, earning praise from experts and fans alike. Timothy Bradley, the legendary American boxer, lauded Bivol’s performance during the re-match, emphasizing his fight IQ and skills.
Now, with the potential bout against Benavidez on the horizon, both outcomes and perspectives are beginning to surface. "There are so many fights to review," said HOSÉ Benavidez Sr., father and trainer of David Benavidez, expressing excitement about his son’s current standing. "Right now, David is in a great place and position. We can fight Bivol. He’s a beast and the best in the division, the absolute champion."
Benavidez Sr. remains optimistic about the options available for his son if the fight with Bivol happens. He added, "Or we could fight Beterbiev. Both fighters are dangerous. It will be very interesting to see David against them. Then Bivol and Beterbiev can fight for their trilogy."
The WBC's mandate follows Bivol's impressive feat, which included taking revenge on Beterbiev, and highlights Benavidez's legitimate opportunity to challenge for the title. The current boxing climate is rife with interest, not only from the light heavyweight division but among fans eager for engaging matches.
"We can also fight Callum Smith," HOSÉ Benavidez Sr. noted. "He looked good against Joshua Buatsi. Or we could move up to the cruiserweight division to battle Gilberto Ramirez. It would be an honor to face him. He’s a great friend and fighter. That’s what friends are for — why not fight each other? We can make money together."
Echoing his father's enthusiasm, David Benavidez himself stated on Ariel Helwani's YouTube channel, "The only thing I’m worried about is if Bivol wins, they’ll have to have another fight. Who am I to stop them from having the third fight? But if that's what happens, I won’t be fighting until their trilogy is finished."
With multiple potential paths, HOSÉ Benavidez Sr. passionately addressed his son’s readiness for whichever challenge lies ahead. He believes Benavidez's confidence stems from his physical condition and training, stating, "David feels really good right now. He has the growth for this. He feels good at super middleweight and light heavyweight, and he could potentially move up to heavyweight. He’s right there, and it’s all about the adjustment — upward or downward."
The boxing world is abuzz with anticipation as the showdown between Bivol and Benavidez draws near. The significance of their meeting is magnified by the surrounding narratives and dynamics of the sport, particularly concerning champions’ desire for legacy battles.
Boxing analysts suggest this encounter will carry substantial weight as both fighters aim to secure their legacies within the sport. Fans are eager to witness whether Bivol will defend his title against the relentless Benavidez or if the latter will claim the championship belt, marking another milestone within his bright career.
Beyond the immediate excitement surrounding their matchup, discussions also reflect the ever-evolving nature of the boxing scene. With other contenders like Callum Smith and potential cross-weight challenges offering intriguing avenues for competition, the momentum of each fighter showcases their dedication and readiness to enter the ring.
Benavidez Sr.’s insights provide not just encouragement for his son but also outline the strategic opportunities available. Indeed, these strategic plan points signify the potential for high-stakes matchups across different divisions, potentially generating lucrative outcomes for all parties involved.
What remains to be seen is how Bivol will respond to this challenge and whether he can maintain his title against the up-and-coming force of David Benavidez. Regardless of the individual outcomes, one conclusion can be drawn: the excitement surrounding boxing continues to burgeon endlessly.
Fans can hardly wait for the fight announcement, as anticipation builds over what promises to be one of the most talked-about contests of 2025.