Light heavyweight mega-fight? Dmitry Bivol and David Benavidez are close to an agreement for a spectacular world title fight in the summer!
An absolute cracker in the light heavyweight division is on the horizon! According to ESPN insider Julius Julianus, the teams of Dmitry Bivol (24-1, 12 knockouts) and David Benavidez (30-0, 24 knockouts) are close to an agreement for a world title fight in the summer of 2025.
The undisputed champion Bivol, who secured all major world championship belts in February by defeating Artur Beterbiev, is expected to face the explosive Benavidez, who secured the WBC interim world championship with his convincing win over David Morrell. The World Boxing Council (WBC) has already officially ordered that Bivol must fight Benavidez next. The teams now have until April 8 to negotiate.
Beterbiev and Eifert on the outside?
Former Undisputed light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev had been promised a third duel against Bivol by Turki Al-Sheikh. It remains to be seen whether he will claim his right to a trilogy duel. And Michael Eifert (13-1, 5 knockouts) must also continue to wait for his chance: The German SES boxer is an official IBF mandatory challenger and has been waiting two years for his world title fight. However, should Bivol relinquish his IBF title, Eifert could fight for the vacant belt against Conor Wallace.
For the Saudi boxing impresario Turki Al-Sheikh, the fight between Bivol and Benavidez does not seem to be of great interest. “I’m not going to bid on it. Every day something changes.”
Not all questions have been answered yet. The contractual details, Beterbiev’s possible demand for revenge and Eifert’s title chance could still influence the fight. But one thing is certain: Bivol vs. Benavidez would be one of the biggest fights of the year and could have a lasting impact on the light heavyweight division!
Text by Robin Josten