David Benavidez’s promoter, Sampson Lewkowicz, says they need their WBC-mandated title shot in opposition to undisputed champion Dmitry Bivol subsequent, and so they received’t comply with a step apart. Bivol has to battle Benavidez, vacate, or be stripped of his WBC title if he stubbornly refuses to face him.
No Extra Ready
Understandably, Benavidez isn’t interested by being delay and made to attend for Bivol to battle a trilogy match in opposition to Artur Beterbiev. Benavidez was frequently swerved because the WBC obligatory for Canelo Alvarez’s belts at 168 and by no means obtained a world title shot. Naturally, he doesn’t need the identical factor to occur to him at 175.
Benavidez doesn’t need to be given the runaround by Bivol and his promoter. Poor Benavidez could possibly be ready for years if he lets Bivol have his means, preventing Artur Beterbiev, Callum Smith, and different contenders. That’s the issue with fighters who develop into undisputed. They need the standing of holding all 4 belts, however they don’t need the complications concerned with defending in opposition to the damaging Megalodon sharks like Benavidez lurking within the waters.
They maintain onto the belts as a memento, like an previous picture. It’s all superficial to validate them in a pretend means. Bivol is likely to be a type of varieties. They need the status of being undisputed.
If Bivol (24-1, 12 KOs) needs to carry onto that belt to maintain his undisputed 175-lb standing, he should defend in opposition to ‘The Mexican Monster’ Benavidez (30-0, 24 KOs) subsequent. The World Boxing Council already ordered Bivol vs. Benavidez to start negotiations with a deadline of April eighth earlier than a handbag bid.
There’s been a number of speak about Bivol and Artur Beterbiev’s want for a trilogy match, however that won’t occur with all 4 belts. The battle can occur subsequent with out the WBC title until Bivol needs to face Benavidez first.
Struggle or Strip
“That is the one battle that we like. There’s no different battle,” stated Sampson Lewkowicz to Boxingscene about David Benavidez wanting his mandated title shot in opposition to WBC belt-holder Dmitry Bivol subsequent.
“Now all people is speaking about Callum Smith. It may occur just for the WBC full title. The loyalty for us is [with] the WBC at this level. We don’t want the cash, and we don’t kiss any ring.”
Lewkowcicz says there’s already been an try and get Benavidez to step apart, however they’re not doing it. They need the world title shot or the WBC belt vacated to allow them to battle for it in opposition to the very best out there contender.
Boxing Information 24 » WBC Mandate Stands: Benavidez Insists on Bivol Struggle, Lewkowicz Warns of Title Stripping if Undisputed Champion Stubbornly Refuses
Final Up to date on 03/20/2025
