David Benavidez on Potentially Facing Dmitry Bivol: ‘I Definitely Do Think He’ll Fight Me’

Benavidez’s feeling isn’t misplaced, as Bivol’s agreement will mainly boil down to legacy and timing. The former has been positioning himself as the most dangerous contender in the super middleweight/light heavyweight division. Moreover, with Bivol already having beaten big names like Canelo Alvarez , a win over an aggressive, unbeaten pressure fighter like Benavidez would further cement his reputation across divisions.

Additionally, there is a practical angle: both have had periods when top opponents were tied up in other negotiations, so they’ve been floated as natural dance partners by promoters and fans. However, they were never formally scheduled to fight, becoming more of a talked-about matchup driven by Benavidez calling for it, and boxing keeping it from materializing so far.

However, Benavidez has no plans of leaving the division without facing both Bivol and Artur Beterbiev.

“I put on the matchmaker hat. And the only fights I think are not only good for me, but also for the fans and the sport of boxing, are Bivol and Beterbiev. And I’m not gonna leave that weight class until I get both those fights,” he said.

“Kind of Loose Obligation”

But it looks like Benavidez will have to wait a tad bit longer for the fight. According to Matchroom boss Eddie Hearn , Bivol might just have a Beterbiev obligation to get out of the way.

“I think that Benavidez-Bivol is a great fight, but we have got this kind of loose obligation with the Beterbiev III fight which, if it is called upon, we have to take it. But, if it is not, Benavidez is absolutely the fight. I think that’s a brilliant fight, it’s two pound-for-pound guys,” he said while talking to FightHype. “I do think that Benavidez will beat Ramirez and if that is the case, should Dmitry come through on May 30, which we expect him to do, why not make the Benavidez fight?”