Undisputed light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol may not be facing his fellow countryman Artur Beterbiev in a trilogy bout next if we are to believe recent reports. Instead, the 34-year-old could be on a collision course with the ‘Interim’ WBC light heavyweight champion David Benavidez. Bivol and Beterbiev are coming off a thrilling two-fight series, each securing a victory, leaving their rivalry unresolved.

After their second fight in February earlier this year, everyone thought a trilogy was inevitable. This was further bolstered by Saudi Boxing figurehead Turki Alalshikh, who claimed he was no longer interested in making the Dmitry Bivol vs. David Benavidez fight. Even Bivol’s promoter, Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing, hinted at leaning more toward a trilogy in collaboration with Riyadh Season.

Dmitry Bivol in dilemma: Belts, David Benavidez, and a trilogy snub

While His Excellency Turki Alalshikh was pushing for a trilogy, the sanctioning bodies had different plans for Dmitry Bivol. The WBC ordered him to defend his title against David Benavidez, while the WBO, IBF, and WBA lined up their own mandatory challengers for the new Russian undisputed champion. With multiple obligations pulling him in different directions, Bivol’s future seemed uncertain. However, a report from Julius Julianis of ESPN Knockout suggests that Bivol is leaning toward Benavidez. “PBC and Matchroom are very close to finalizing an agreement for Bivol and David Benavídez to face each other this summer,” Julianis reported on X.

Interestingly, after Bivol lost his first fight against Artur Beterbiev, he petitioned the sanctioning bodies to allow an immediate rematch rather than forcing Beterbiev to face his then-mandatory challenger. And that’s exactly what had happened. In fact, after their second fight, Beterbiev even said that he didn’t want a second fight, but he was obligated to do so.

Now, after avenging his loss, Bivol appears to be moving in a different direction instead of granting Beterbiev a trilogy, as he should—something that hasn’t gone unnoticed by fans. As rumors of Bivol vs. Benavidez spread across social media, many fans were quick to point out the irony, questioning why Bivol isn’t extending the same courtesy he once sought from Beterbiev.

Fans debate over injustice towards Artur Beterbiev 

Burned by the injustice Dmitry Bivol showed by avoiding a trilogy against Artur Beterbiev, one fan seems to have recollected what Beterbiev had said after their first fight. “Beterbiev was 100% correct when they asked him if he thought that Bivol would have given him the rematch if we won the first match. And he laughed and looked Bivol in the face and said no I don’t think he would have given me the rematch. Lol,” the user wrote. However, we cannot confirm whether Beterbiev had actually said this. 

The next user refused to believe the rumors about Bivol vs. Benavidez. “[In my opinion] they will do what Turki [Alalshikh] tells them to do, lol,” the user wrote. The Saudi Royal has been backing some of the biggest fights, including the first two fights between Bivol and Beterbiev, but that doesn’t mean he is the only one who can put together a fight. PBC continues to remain uninfluenced by Saudis, but Matchroom Boxing hasn’t gone against Riyadh Season before.

Another user highlighted that Turki Alalshikh didn’t want the fight. “I thought Turki didn’t want this??” the user asked. However, it appears Bivol and Matchroom Boxing are going behind Turki’s back to make the fight anyway—if the rumors are true. 

Someone else had a theory explaining why Bivol is fighting Benavidez instead. “Matchroom and PBC working together cause they know Turki an issue, smart,” the user wrote. It’s worth noting that Turki Alalshikh recently signed a partnership with TKO Holding, the owners of UFC and WWE, to launch a boxing league, which will have zero involvement of the traditional promoters or sanctioning bodies. 

Meanwhile, this user shared their prediction for the rumored Dmitry Bivol vs. David Benavidez fight. “Bivol by Masterclass 9 rds minimum and then trilogy in winter,” the user commented. While it’s a great proposition, the question is: why not get the trilogy out of the way first?

That being said, it appears Dmitry Bivol doesn’t want to risk losing his undisputed status. However, David Benavidez is not an easy opponent in any way. This move seems to be a clear slight at the Riyadh Season, but the question remains—why? Share your thoughts in the comments below!