Bivol vs. Benavidez close to being finalized

Dmitrii Bivol (24-1, 12 KOs) could face David Benavidez (30-0, 24 KOs) this summer for undisputed light-heavyweight title.

Julius Julianis of ESPN Knockout reported that Bivol, the undisputed champion, is close to finalizing a deal to fight WBC and WBA secondary titlist David Benavidez this summer. The WBC mandated Bivol, who is the undisputed light heavyweight champion, to face Benavidez in his next title defense earlier this week.

Bivol defeated Artur Beterbiev (21-1, 20 KOs) in a rematch on February 22 and avenged the loss of October last year.

The news of Bivol vs. Benavidez potentially being next comes on the heels of Turki Alalshikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s general entertainment authority, proclaiming that he’s no longer interested in the fight. Alalshikh also said Bivol needs to soon come to a decision on what he wants to do next.

“I am no longer interested in Bivol-Benavidez and I will not bid on it,” Alalshikh said. “I think Bivol knows who has delivered for him and who hasn’t. My advice to Bivol: don’t be late because every day something changes.”