WEBDESK: In a surprising move, Dmitry Bivol has vacated his WBC light heavyweight title, leaving the sanctioning body to promote David Benavidez to the full champion status. This decision comes as Bivol focuses on his long-awaited trilogy fight with Artur Beterbiev, which is expected to take place later this year.
WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman confirmed the news on X while also announcing Benavidez had been promoted to world champion.
“I have just received a cold and impersonal notification from Dmitry Bivol lawyer, Patrick English, with arguments that are so ridiculous that I rather not discuss informing the WBC that Dmitry Bivol has decided to relinquish his WBC light heavyweight championship,” Sulaiman wrote. “We wish Bivol success and hereby confirm David Benavidez as WBC world light heavyweight champion.”
Bivol, the current WBA light heavyweight champion, made the decision after discussions with his legal team. His lawyer informed WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman that Bivol would not be able to defend his title against Benavidez due to the prioritization of the Beterbiev fight. As a result, Bivol’s relinquishing of the title means that Benavidez, who was previously the interim titleholder, will now officially hold the WBC light heavyweight championship.
While Benavidez expressed his disappointment in not winning the title in the ring, he remains confident that he will prove himself as the best in the division. Dmitry Bivol’s focus on his rivalry with Beterbiev is seen as a key factor in this decision, with the trilogy fight being one of the most anticipated matchups in boxing.
The Beterbiev-Bivol trilogy is likely to take place later this year, with discussions pointing towards a potential date in October in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Fans are eagerly awaiting this high-stakes bout that could define the future of the light heavyweight division.
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