Undisputed light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol (24-1, 12 KOs) might not be heading into a trilogy bout with Artur Beterbiev next, according to recent reports. Instead, the 34-year-old could be on track to face ‘Interim’ WBC light heavyweight champion David Benavidez.

A trilogy bout with Artur Beterbiev may not be next for Dmitry Bivol after all. Julius Julianis of ESPN Knockout reported that Bivol is close to finalizing a deal to fight WBC and WBA secondary titlist David Benavidez this summer.

Canelo knows both Bivol and Benavidez well for different reasons, having stepped up to 175lbs to take on Bivol for his WBA light heavyweight title back in May 2022. It was the Russian who claimed the victory, defeating Alvarez by unanimous decision to become just the second man after Floyd Mayweather to beat the Mexican superstar.

According to a recent report, light-heavyweight champions Dmitry Bivol and David Benavidez could meet in the boxing ring later this year.

Things may not be about to get any easier if reports are to be believed, however. The WBC have already ordered Bivol, 24-1 (12 KOs), to defend his championship against mandatory challenger David Benavidez. However, the influential and powerful Turki Alalshikh recently told The Ring he was “no longer interested” in the fight

“Dmitry Bivol must fight David Benavidez next,” the WBC said in a division-by-division update about all of its titleholders.

Fight fans have been torn over who they believe would come out on top between the two light heavyweight stars, with boxing legend Oscar De La Hoya now offering his thoughts. De La Hoya discussed the potential match-up whilst speaking to Fight Hub TV, starting by praising Bivol if he was indeed willing to accept the challenge of Benavidez next.

Dmitry Bivol vs David Benavidez has been rumoured, with reports suggesting a fight is close to being finalized. However, Dan Rafael of Fight Freaks Unite has clarified the negotiation status via his X account.