Recently, WBA Super/IBO Light Heavyweight Champion, Russian Dmitry Bivol (23-0, 12 KOs), addressed the media regarding the challenge from interim WBC Super Middleweight/Light Heavyweight Champion David Benavidez (29-0, 24 KOs).
Benavidez impressively won a unanimous decision against former WBC Light Heavyweight Champion Gilberto Ramirez (20-2, 16 KOs) last Sunday and subsequently expressed his intention to face the winner of the unification bout between Beterbiev and Bivol at 175 pounds.
Said Bivol, “I’ve heard David Benavidez’s challenge, and as a fighter, I have great respect for him; he is a fantastic boxer. Benavidez says he wants to prove himself against me or the winner of Beterbiev to show he’s the best and aims for even greater accomplishments. David Benavidez is confident, and what else can I say?”
However, at present, Benavidez seems more inclined to return to the 168-pound division to challenge for the WBC Super Middleweight championship belt and does not have immediate plans to face the winner of Beterbiev vs. Bivol. With his speed, agility, technical skills, and ability to control the pace, Bivol could pose a nightmare for the relatively slower Benavidez.