The purse bid for the organization of Dmitrii Bivol’s light heavyweight world title defense against the undefeated American David Benavidez was scheduled to take place today. However, the Russian fighter has officially informed the WBC that he has other plans. Bivol intends to grant Artur Beterbiev a third fight, after their first two bouts ended with one win each. As a result, Benavidez has been immediately elevated from interim champion to full WBC world champion.
Below is the full content of the letter sent to the WBC by Patrick English, legal representative of Dmitrii Bivol’s team, a copy of which was made public on social media by American journalist Dan Rafael:
Dear President Sulaiman:
As you know this office represents Dmitrii Bivol.
Mr. Bivol has been placed in a position where, unfortunately, he is being forced to relinquish the World Boxing Council Light Heavyweight Title.
Everyone in boxing knows that there is a commitment for a third bout with Artur Beterbiev, generally considered to be the second best Light Heavyweight in boxing. We are working to consummate that bout.
In addition we are dismayed at the inability of the ratings organizations to adhere to the rotation system set up many years ago. You are aware that the IBF has claimed to be the lead organization, with justification, for the next Bivol bout.
We wish to be courteous to those involved in the potential purse bid scheduled for tomorrow. Thus we notify you of the relinquishment of the belt before that time so people will not incur needless travel expenses.
Mr. Bivol appreciates such courtesies from the WBC as were accorded him in the past.
Regards,
Patrick C. English
WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman did not seem to take the news well, at least judging by his immediate reaction. These were his words, posted on X:
“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. We wish Bivol success and hereby confirm David Benavidez as WBC world light heavyweight champion.”
Fans are now hoping that after the third chapter of the Bivol–Beterbiev trilogy, Benavidez will get his shot at the winner. The American was famously avoided by Canelo Alvarez when competing at super middleweight, and moving up in weight hasn’t yet been enough, at least for now, to earn the opportunity to prove himself as number one.