Benavidez Becomes WBC Champ After Bivol Vacates

David Benavidez is the WBC Light Heavyweight Champion following Dmitry Bivol’s decision to vacate the title. 

Benavidez secured himself a shot at the world title when he defeated David Morrell Jr. in his last fight. That made him the WBC and WBA Interim Light Heavyweight Champion. He was then mandatory for the winner of Bivol vs. Beterbiev, as they faced off in February. Bivol defeated Beterbiev in the rematch via a majority decision to become the Undisputed Light Heavyweight Champion.

Benavidez moved up to 175 pounds after failing to get the undisputed shot at 168 against Canelo Alvarez. The WBC recently ordered Bivol to defend his title against Benavidez. A deadline of April 8 was set for them to reach an agreement after which purse bids would be called. Bivol’s decision was complicated by the Saudis, who made it clear that they wanted to make a trilogy with Beterbiev. 

“I will not bid on it. My advice to Bivol: don’t be late because every day something changes,” Turki Alalshikh revealed 

What’s Next?

That would likely earn Bivol more money, although facing Benavidez meant he would keep his undisputed light heavyweight title. The decision to vacate means that Bivol has to weigh up his options. He could move up to cruiserweight, a move he has previously talked about. Bivol has been linked with a fight against the IBF Cruiserweight Champion Jai Opetaia. There is also the chance to face off against the WBA and WBO Cruiserweight Champion Zurdo Ramirez, someone Bivol has beaten at 175. Alternatively, he could go ahead with the Beterbiev trilogy, even if it is not for all the belts.

Benavidez will now be looking to make his next move. The belt makes him a two-weight world champion, having previously won two titles at 168 pounds. Although this is not the ideal way to win a belt, it does show that Benavidez is one of the leading names in the division. It could make a future fight with Canelo Alvarez more probable, given that Benavidez holds a title. However, the Mexican Monster will likely target undisputed by chasing the three belts. However, that all depends on what Bivol decides to do as boxing fans had plenty to say. 

Reaction

“Just got the news that Bivol decided to vacate his title, instead of fighting me. Now that makes me the WBC world champion at light heavyweight. This is not the ideal way for me to become world champion but nevertheless, I am now the WBC light heavyweight champion of the world, and I intend on putting the best fights,” David Benavidez said 

“I have just received a cold and impersonal notification from Dmitry Bivol lawyer, Patrick English, with arguments that are so ridiculous that I rather not discuss informing the WBC that Dmitry Bivol has decided to relinquish his WBC light heavyweight championship. We wish Bivol success and hereby confirm David Benavidez as WBC world light heavyweight champion,” Mauricio Sulaiman stated