David Benavidez is now the undisputed WBC light heavyweight champion after Dmitry Bivol vacated the belt.
After defeating David Morrell earlier this year, David Benavidez turned his attention towards fighting either Dmitry Bivol or Artur Beterbiev for the WBC light heavyweight title. But after Bivol beat Beterbiev in their recent rematch, he’s opted to vacate the belt instead of fighting Benavidez, resulting in Benavidez being promoted as the full champion.
Bivol’s decision to vacate the title is likely to pursue a trilogy matchup with Beterbiev. After handing Beterbiev his first-career defeat, he was mandated by the WBC to fight Benavidez by the sanctioning body.
The news shocked the boxing world earlier this week as fans held out hope for a Benavidez vs. Bivol superfight later this year. It didn’t take long for Benavidez to address his fanbase after the news broke.
David Benavidez reacts to Dmitry Bivol vacating belt despite recent fight talks
In a recent post on his Instagram, Benavidez reacts to Bivol’s title vacation and being promoted as WBC light heavyweight champion.
“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,” Benavidez said.
“This is not the ideal way for me to become a world champion, but nevertheless, I am now the WBC light heavyweight champion of the world, and I intend to put on the best fights.”
After being promoted to WBC light heavyweight titleholder, Benavidez has multiple high-profile options for his next fight. A future clash with Canelo Alvarez remains possible if Riyadh Season gives the go-ahead to make the fight happen.
Dmitry Bivol’s vacation opens the door for David Benavidez vs. Canelo Alvarez
Alvarez is scheduled to face William Scull on May 3rd for the IBF super middleweight championship and is in line to fight Terence Crawford in a superfight later this year. A Benavidez matchup has been declined numerous times by Alvarez in recent years, but with Bivol out of the championship conversation, the fight seems more likely than ever.
Despite Alvarez’s dismissals, Benavidez is intent on fighting the boxing superstar, potentially later this year. It would undoubtedly be one of the biggest fights not just in light heavyweight history, but in the sport’s illustrious history.
Regardless of who Benavidez fights next, he’s firmly in the driver’s seat to secure some massive matchups in 2025 and beyond.