Just a few hours after Dmitry Bivol officially relinquished the WBC Light-Heavyweight belt, this prestigious boxing organization quickly made a decision: David Benavidez, the interim champion, was named the official champion. This information not only made the fans excited, but also opened a new dramatic chapter for the Light-Heavyweight division – where the three names Bivol, Beterbiev and Benavidez are gradually creating an uncompromising tripod.
David Benavidez is no longer a strange name to world boxing fans. He is one of the youngest champions in WBC history, with an unbeaten streak and an impressive knockout ratio. After dominating the super-middleweight division, Benavidez decided to move up in weight – a bold move but one that shows his ambition to become the undisputed king in every weight class.
With Bivol relinquishing the WBC title to focus on preparing for a unification match with Artur Beterbiev, Benavidez has officially become the WBC Light-Heavyweight Champion. But the question now is not “Does Benavidez deserve it?”, but: “Who will be the first to challenge his throne?”
According to famous sports journalist Mike Coppinger, it is likely that Callum Smith will be the first to face Benavidez in the upcoming title defense. Smith, the former WBA super-middleweight champion, had an impressive victory over Joshua Buatsi by decision in February. With his technical style, long reach and international experience, Smith is a “tough nut” for any boxer – including Benavidez.
If this fight is finalized, fans can expect a spectacular performance: Benavidez with his fierce attacking style and Smith with his cold, precise style. This is certainly not just a title defense, but also Benavidez’s first real test in a new weight class.
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While Benavidez celebrates his new title, Dmitry Bivol has demonstrated a valuable quality: keeping his word. He has long declared that if he cannot unify the belt with Beterbiev this year, he is ready to give up the WBC belt to make way for other boxers. And he has done just that – giving up the WBC belt to be able to face Beterbiev for the third time in his career.
If Bivol vs. Beterbiev goes as planned, the winner will not only win absolute dominance in the Light-Heavyweight division, but will also become the next opponent of Benavidez in a match to unify all 4 championships – something the world of boxing has always expected.
The Light-Heavyweight division has never been so exciting. With 3 outstanding individuals, each with a unique style:
David Benavidez – explosive, youthful, always attacking relentlessly.
Dmitry Bivol – cold, calculating, technical and defensive.
Artur Beterbiev – a true beast, possessing absolute KO power.
If all three face each other in 2025, this will be the most glorious period of the Light-Heavyweight division since the days of Roy Jones Jr, Antonio Tarver and Bernard Hopkins. These fights are not only sporting, but also commercial blockbusters that attract millions of viewers around the world.
The fact that the WBC awarded Benavidez the belt just hours after Bivol withdrew is a testament to the flexibility and decisiveness that boxing organizations are sometimes criticized for lacking. Benavidez deserves a chance to prove himself at the top, and fans deserve to see big fights instead of waiting in vain.
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