No Bivol Vs. Benavidez Talks: Hearn Focuses On Beterbiev Rematch

Promoter Eddie Hearn says there have been no discussions about a fight between David Benavidez and Dmitry Bivol happening next.

Turki’s Decision

Hearn states that undisputed light heavyweight champion Bivol (24-1, 12 KOs) will fight whoever Turki Alalshikh wants him to next, and he believes that’s a trilogy with Artur Beterbiev. If Turki wants the match with Benavidez (30-0, 24 KOs) to happen next, Hearn says they’ll do it.

For Hearn, it’s better for his fighter Bivol, 34, to face Beterbiev (21-1, 20 KOs) next because he matches up better against him than he does against the younger, faster and much busier ‘Mexican Monster’ Benavidez. If Bivol takes that fight, he’ll lose, destroying much of the remaining interest there is from fans in a trilogy match.

If it’s up to Hearn, he’ll want Beterbiev, 40, or Callum Smith next, because those two give Bivol his best chance of holding onto his belts. Bivol is a good fighter, but he struggles when pressured nonstop like in the first fight with Beterbiev, and during the first half of the rematch last month on February 22nd.

David Benavidez would pressure without let up, and he wouldn’t hold back from letting his hands go. That’s where Beterbiev lost the fight. He was slow in cutting off the ring on Bivol, but he wasn’t throwing enough when he would trap him. He was waiting for the perfect moment, and that frequently allowed Bivol to escape or throw before he did.

No Talks

“It’s never been happening, it’s never been close. There’s never been any conversations, but it’s a great fight and we don’t rule it out,” said promoter Eddie Hearn to Fighthype about a clash between undisputed light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol and WBC mandatory David Benavidez.

“Ultimately, His Excellency (Turki Alalshikh) has given us four fights around the world, particularly in Saudi Arabia and great opportunities. Whatever he says is next, we will do. If he wants us to fight Benavidez, we’ll fight Benavidez. My gut feeling is he’ll want to make the trilogy (with Artur Beterbiev). So, we’ll see,” said Hearn.