Dmitry Bivol (24-1, 12 KO’s) is no longer undisputed at light-heavyweight (175 lbs) after the Russian champion vacated his WBC title, according to the WBC. This move follows a mandate by the WBC for Bivol to face WBC interim champion David Benavidez (30-0, 24 KO’s). With Bivol faced with the potential stripping of his title if he were to refuse to face Benavidez, the former undisputed champion opted to get ahead of things which has culminated in him relinquishing his title.
Bivol’s abdication of his WBC title was already expected after it was hinted at that Riyadh Season head, Turki Alalshikh, was angling for a trilogy bout between Bivol and likewise former undisputed 175-pound champion Artur Beterbiev (21-1, 20 KO’s). This move therefore further signals the commencement of a third match between Bivol and Beterbiev.
In lieu of these events, David Benavidez has now been uplifted by the WBC from his interim position to become the WBC world light-heavyweight champion, which could set up another undisputed bout if Benavidez were to face the winner of the potential Bivol-Beterbiev III bout.
With his promotion, Benavidez has ended a five-year drought since last becoming a world champion for the second time of his career in 2020. He first gained the WBC interim title in a 2024 bout against Oleksandr Gvozdyk, and would subsequently defend the same belt against David Morrell in February before his eventual elevation to full world champion.
Prior to his elevation, Benavidez had been foiled of an opportunity to become a world champion at super middleweight (168 lbs) after the holder of the title, Canelo Alvarez (61-2-2, 39 KO’s), continuously neglected to face Benavidez. Notably, an order from the WBC for the two to face each other had been egregiously withheld, culminating in Benavidez’ career at 168 pounds stagnating as a result before his move up to light-heavyweight.
Given the manner in which he became a champion, with a fighter being elevated to the position after referred to as an “email champion”, Benavidez took the time to express feelings surrounding his own promotion as WBC champion:
“Just got the news that Bivol decided to vacate his title, instead of fighting me,” Benavidez wrote on his Instagram account.
“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.“
