Hearn Expects Bivol Vs. Beterbiev Over Benavidez

Eddie Hearn says there have been no talks between Dmitry Bivol and David Benavidez over a fight, as the focus seems to be on an Artur Beterbiev trilogy. 

Bivol became the Undisputed Light Heavyweight Champion after avenging the defeat to Beterbiev in the first fight. Benavidez was ringside as speculation turned towards whether Bivol would face the Mexican Monster next. In the post-fight reaction, Turki Al-Sheikh revealed his desire to make a trilogy with the two fighters also on board. However, Benavidez is the WBC mandatory for Bivol after having defeated David Morrell Jr. in his last fight.

Benavidez moved up to light heavyweight after failing to get the mandatory shot at 168 pounds against Canelo Alvarez. The Mexican Monster will be desperate to secure the Bivol fight next, especially since the WBC has ordered the fight, giving both boxers until April 8 to agree to a deal before purse bids are called. If Benavidez does not get that fight, he could target Canelo.

“If Turki Alalshikh wants to do David vs. Canelo, we are down for it. We can do 168, not a problem. Hopefully, we can get all of those belts at 175 and we can fight for all of the belts at 168 [as undisputed champions]. We have other fights, and we’re going to continue our own path. I don’t care about what Canelo does. He can do whatever he wants. I’m not interested in [the Skull and Crawford fights]. People want to see real fights. Crawford is too small. It’s like us trying to fight Oleksandr Usyk. It’s too much weight,” Jose Benavidez Sr. stated

Hearn Reacts

This naturally raises question marks over what happens next. Bivol could face Benavidez and put all his titles on the line. Alternatively, he could offer Benavidez a step-aside deal, allowing Bivol to take the trilogy. Eddie Hearn ultimately has to do what is best for his fighter. The presence of the Saudis also means that they do have a say, given their association with Matchroom Boxing. But for now, Hearn’s comments suggest that Bivol-Beterbiev is the fight that will happen next.

“They should run it back, because it’s a brilliant fight. We also love Benavidez against Bivol. But for me, it will be the trilogy next. The problem for Beterbiev is that Bivol is going to be better. So, we’re very confident going into that fight.. We’ve had some conversations around Benavidez-Callum Smith, and around Callum Smith against [David] Morrell as well.

“I mean, Callum Smith’s in a really good position. You know, he’s mandatory [in the WBO rankings]. He won’t be called just yet, but he’s the interim world champion. Just had a great win against Buatsi. Unfortunately, when you become undisputed like Bivol, all of these mandatories swing around. They’ve got one with the IBF, they’ve got Benavidez, they’ve got Callum Smith. So yeah, I think the belts will free up over the next 12 months,” Hearn stated