The future for David Benavidez is looking brighter than ever and “The Mexican Monster” will hope it includes legacy-defining fights against Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev.
The light-heavyweight trio are the best in the division and as things stand Bivol, 24-1 (12 KOs), leads the way after gaining revenge over Artur Beterbiev, 21-1 (20 KOs). Despite becoming undisputed champion in their February rematch, however, Bivol’s reign as the four-belt king lasted just two months. In April the 34-year-old vacated his WBC title instead of facing mandatory challenger Benavidez. His decision elevated Benavidez, 30-0 (24 KOs), from interim to full champion.
Benavidez’s first defence of his WBC title in Riyadh against Anthony Yarde is just over two weeks away. Going into the fight the champion is a heavy favourite to retain his belt. Should he do so he may target Bivol or the now belt-less Beterbiev.
But in an interview with Boxing News earlier this week Benavidez was asked who he would prefer to fight between Bivol and Beterbiev if there were no titles at stake.
“I think Beterbiev would be a more fan friendly fight. It’d be a harder fight.
“Beterbiev is more of a rugged in your face type of fighter, Bivol is more of a you have to go and hunt him down. I’m willing to fight whoever. I think a more fan friendly fight would be me versus Beterbiev –– that would be a great fight. But even me with Bivol would be a great fight, too. I sparred Bivol a lot of times.”
Benavidez recently revealed what happened when he sparred Bivol.