

Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) has struggled to stay afloat in recent years, largely due to lackluster fights, burgeoning payouts to boxers, and unimpressive pay-per-view numbers, which even forced them to look for a new PPV partner in Amazon Prime Video. The only time fans even consider shelling out the $80 pay-per-view fee is when Gervonta Davis or earlier Canelo Alvarez comes out to play. However, PBC remains as ambitious as ever. This time, they are pulling every string to make the rumored undisputed light heavyweight showdown between David Benavidez and Dmitry Bivol a reality. But according to a boxing insider, this high-stakes gamble could lead to their downfall.
Just the other day, Julius Julianis of ESPN Knockout claimed, “PBC and Matchroom are very close to finalizing an agreement for Bivol and David Benavídez to face each other this summer.” This came a day after the WBC ordered Bivol to defend his titles against Benavidez. Bivol was earlier expected to fight Artur Beterbiev in a trilogy bout after Bivol got his revenge in February for his earlier loss. His Excellency Turki Alalshikh even claimed he was not interested in making the Bivol-Benavidez fight and instead wanted to focus on making the trilogy with Beterbiev.
But it appears PBC has swooped in to make the fight anyway, which will help them highlight their relevancy within the sport once again. However, Rick Glaser, a vocal PBC critic, has in the meantime called this endeavor their “doom,” suggesting it can only end in their “financial bloodbath.” Earlier today, the veteran matchmaker hopped on X to share his thoughts. “Wow, just told to me by a Boxing powerhouse, that PBC is going to use all efforts to secure & promote Bivol-Benavidez this Summer, in [an] attempt to show that PBC still has power in the game,” Glasser wrote. “[They are keen on making the fight] to slow the muscle of @Turki_alalshikh , as Turki Alalshikh has already said publicly he’s not going to bid on this mandatory fight.”
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Wow, just told to me by a Boxing powerhouse, that PBC is going to use all efforts to secure & promote Bivol-Benavidez this Summer, in attempt to show that PBC is still has power in the game, & to slow the muscle of @Turki_alalshikh, as Turki Alalshikh has already said publicly…
— Rick Glaser (@RealRickGlaser1) March 9, 2025
“Knowing what it will take financially to make this fight, & neither fighter being a PPV attraction will make it a financial bloodbath, & could very well doom PBC,” he added. “In truth, PBC needs to move very slowly, thinking diligently on all decisions because PBC can’t compete with Turki Alalshikh. Repeating for those in the back of the room, PBC can’t compete with Turki Alalshikh!!!” It seems the IBHOF elector believes that at this juncture of their existence, a competitive battle with the Saudi Royal will only prove disastrous for Al Haymon and PBC.
It’s worth mentioning that Glaser has previously claimed that PBC is currently in a world of debt, with its major lenders awaiting $900 million in payments. Regardless, Benavidez’s co-promoter, Sampson Lewkowicz, has shed more light on the potential fight.
Sampson Lewkowicz was surprised by the Dmitry Bivol vs. David Benavidez rumor
You would think Benavidez’s promoter would know whether the fight was close to happening. But Sampson Lewkowicz was caught off guard by reports that Dmitry Bivol and David Benavidez are close to finalizing a fight deal. The promoter, who represents Benavidez, recently extended a “very large offer” to Bivol’s team but has yet to receive a response.
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Most of These Boxers Deserve Big Cheques to Feed Their Families, I understand that But These Big Pay Cheques...more
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“Perhaps someone knows better than me, but I’d be very happy if that is the case,” Lewkowicz told BoxingScene on Sunday night. “Maybe tomorrow I will have a response.” Lewkowicz’s offer, backed by Premier Boxing Champions, suggested a September date but left scheduling flexibility to Bivol’s team. This confirms that an offer is on the table, but it’s yet to be seen whether Bivol accepts it.
It appears Rick Glaser is confident the potential Dmitry Bivol vs. David Benavidez fight will drain PBC financially, leaving them in a deeper hole of their pre-existing chasm of debt. Do you agree with Glaser? Or do you think he is just voicing an opinion that may not come true?
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Debate
Is PBC's gamble on Bivol-Benavidez a bold move or a financial disaster waiting to happen?