Promoter Eddie Hearn poured cold water on the idea of an immediate David Benavidez vs. Dmitry Bivol showdown, insisting there’ve been “no conversations” about such a fight. Instead, Hearn believes Bivol will face whoever Turki Alalshikh – the head of Riyadh Season – chooses next, and he’s confident that means a trilogy with Artur Beterbiev. Bivol, 34, overcame Beterbiev last month in a narrow decision to avenge his lone loss, unifying the 175-pound belts. Despite the WBC's mention of Benavidez as a potential mandatory, Hearn maintains the calls for that fight never materialized into real negotiations.
From a strategic standpoint, Hearn has every reason to prefer another Beterbiev clash over Benavidez. While Beterbiev is still a formidable puncher, he’s 40 years old and has shown lapses in pressuring Bivol consistently. By comparison, the younger, bigger, and relentless Benavidez could be a nightmare style match for Bivol, especially if he pressures without pause. That risk could imperil Bivol's recently unified status and undercut a potential third meeting with Beterbiev, which Turki Alalshikh is rumored to favor.
Ultimately, Hearn says the decision isn't his alone, pointing out that Riyadh Season is bankrolling Bivol’s recent fights and that Turki Alalshikh calls the shots. Though the possibility of Bivol-Benavidez intrigues many boxing fans, it appears any hope for that showdown will have to wait until after the Saudi-backed trilogy – if that's indeed the fight the organizers prioritize.
Get to know more about Artur Beterbiev.
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