David Benavidez alleges that Dmitry Bivol avoids scheduling their anticipated boxing match.
WBC Light Heavyweight Champion Benavidez Slams Bivol's Choice
In a sharp rebuke, WBC light heavyweight champion David Benavidez has criticized former division leader Dmitry Bivol for opting for a trilogy bout with Artur Beterbiev instead of a more financially enticing match with him. Commenting on the Pound 4 Pound podcast, Benavidez stated:
"Bivol walked away with $2.7 million after the last fight with Beterbiev. Here, we're talking about $8 million! Yet, neither Bivol nor Beterbiev are boxing's biggest earners in terms of sales."
It is worth noting that Bivol currently possesses all major light heavyweight division titles except the WBC championship held by Benavidez. The upcoming bout between Bivol and Beterbiev is tentatively scheduled for later this year.
Meanwhile, the trilogy between Bivol and Beterbiev is already in the works, according to promoter Eddie Hearn. The WBO has also granted Bivol permission to proceed with the trilogy bout, notwithstanding the mandatory title defense against Callum Smith.
While some in the boxing world have expressed dissatisfaction with the repeated encounters between Bivol and Beterbiev, favoring new contenders like Benavidez, the trilogy fights continue to dominate the division's attention, often exiling other prospective champions for extended periods.
In contrast to the potentially higher payday offered by Benavidez, the trilogy with Beterbiev provides significant value in terms of legacy, title unification, and fan interest within the division. Bivol and his team seem to prioritize these aspects and the sanctioned pathway over immediate financial benefits from other fights.
[For those interested, the WBO's decision to allow Bivol to proceed with the trilogy bout against Beterbiev and the trilogy's scheduled date are available in further reading.]
[1] Bivol, Dmitry. (2025). Interview with Boxing Scene regarding the scheduled trilogy fight with Artur Beterbiev. Retrieved from https://boxingscene.com/dmitry-bivol-talks-artur-beterbiev-trilogy-return-canelo-and-more/
[2] Hearn, Eddie. (2025). Press conference announcing the Bivol vs. Beterbiev trilogy fight. Retrieved from https://www.boxingscene.com/eddie-hearn-dmitry-bivol-artur-beterbiev-trilogy-official/
[3] Smith, Callum. (2025). Statement regarding the WBO's decision to allow Dmitry Bivol to proceed with the trilogy fight against Artur Beterbiev. Retrieved from https://callumsmithboxing.com/news/callum-smith-reaction-to-wbo-decision-on-dmitry-bivol-artur-beterbiev-trilogy/
[4] World Boxing Organization. (2025). Official Decision on Dmitry Bivol's Defense of Light Heavyweight Title. Retrieved from https://www.wboboxing.com/dmitry-bivol-defense-of-light-heavyweight-title/
Bookmakers might consider Betterbiev and Bivol's upcoming trilogy fight in the sports of boxing as a great betting opportunity due to the legacy, title unification, and fan interest at stake, compared to a potential match with Benavidez that could offer a more financially lucrative outcome for Bivol. Sports enthusiasts who follow the light heavyweight division may find themselves in a difficult predicament, torn between supporting a potential new champion like Benavidez or backing the highly anticipated trilogy match between Bivol and Betterbiev.
