Question: Who is the biggest boogeyman in boxing today? Answer: David Benavidez! An obvious deduction for most, perhaps. First, Canelo, and now from the way it appears, Dmitry Bivol gives the impression of skirting around a direct clash with ‘The Mexican Monster.’ As much as it perplexed, a cryptic message from the light heavyweight’s new undisputed champion may have fueled further doubts. Will he face Benavidez? With HE Turki Alalshikh making his intentions clear, ominous clouds loom over the potential fight.

On February 1, Benavidez defeated David Morrell and secured the mandatory challenge to face the winner of the Beterbiev-Bivol rematch. The former super middleweight champion even traveled to Riyadh, where the ‘Last Crescendo’ unfolded at the Kingdom Arena. To his aid, the WBC stepped in. The sanctioning body wants Bivol to defend his title from Benavidez. But it seems Bivol could follow in Canelo’s footsteps—give the cold shoulder to the challenge and pursue a different path. A more lucrative one?

Dmitry Bivol: Ready for the Challenge Ahead

Thanking promoters Matchroom Boxing, manager Vadim Kornilov, and HE Alalshikh, Bivol said, “Waiting for the next move with my best team.” Given what the Riyadh season stated earlier, does that mean a plan has been chalked out for the Kyrgyz-Russian champion? “I am no longer interested in Bivol-Benavidez, and I will not bid on it. 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.“ Turki Alalshikh reportedly said.

To search for clues, one might retrace the steps to a few weeks ago when the headliner at ‘The Last Crescendo’ reached its climax. Dmitry Bivol sounded gung-ho about the future prospects. During the post-fight interview, Chris Mannix asked, “You are one and one now against Arthur Beterbiev; is it time for one more?” And the new undisputed champion responded, “You know I’m ready for any challenge in the future.”

There’s nothing explicit in Bivol’s latest message. But the statement nevertheless drew an array of reactions. To a few, it appeared that he’s avoiding David Benavidez. “Just don’t duck Benavidez like Canelo did,” said one user.

Top Comment by chuck vaphides

I’m sure he’s looking for a bigger payday, and maybe an easier fight. I believe the Mexican monster can cause...more

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Complications Surrounding the David Benavidez Bout

Perhaps it might be too early to draw conclusions from a mere tweet. Given how the two fights turned out to be hugely successful, a trilogy with Artur Beterbiev sounds quite promising. Their rivalry stands at 1-1 now. So many would love to see how it eventually ends.

In this scenario, it’s difficult to fit in a potential showdown with Benavidez. If that were the only hurdle. First, Dmitry Bivol needs to tackle the issue with Michael Eifert. It’s been two years since the German boxer defeated former challenger Jean Pascal to reach the top of IBF’s pecking order. In fact, after Artur Beterbiev defeated Dmitry Bivol at the ‘IV Crown Showdown,’ Eifert was first in line to face the division’s newly crowned light heavyweight champion.

Subject to fulfilling the condition that the winner will have to face Eifert first, the Beterbiev-Bivol rematch sought an exemption from the IBF mandatory challenge. Now the WBC has ordered Bivol and Benavidez to arrive at a decision within 30 days. Otherwise, the fight could potentially proceed to purse bids. Thus, the fight with Benavidez seems headed for further delay.

For ‘The Mexican Monster,’ it’s a similar situation he faced at 168 pounds. The Phoenix-born fighter was the mandatory challenger to Canelo’s crown not once but twice. But both times, he benched. Eventually, tired of waiting, he moved up a division last year.

S,o is history going to repeat itself? Many fans criticized WBC for not forcing Canelo Alvarez to honor the mandatory challenge. So, will they finally have their way and take stern measures if Dmitry Bivol follows suit?

What’s your take? For Dmitry Bivol, which matchup makes more sense – a trilogy with Beterbiev or a title defense with Benavidez?