Undefeated three-division world champion David Benavides has announced that initial discussions are underway for a highly anticipated clash with Russian star Dmitry Bivol, who currently holds the WBA, IBF, and WBO light heavyweight titles.
The American boxer shared the news during an appearance on Ariel Helwani's podcast, stating that while a specific date remains uncertain, the goal is to stage the fight in September. He acknowledged that Bivol has a scheduled bout and the ever-present risk of injury could affect plans, but confirmed that talks are actively progressing.
Benavides, 29, boasts an impressive professional record since his 2013 debut. He first captured a world title in the super middleweight division in 2017, becoming a two-time champion in that weight class by 2019. His career trajectory continued upward as he moved to light heavyweight, claiming a title in 2025, before unifying belts in the cruiserweight division in 2026.
A potential matchup between Benavides and Bivol would represent a significant event in the boxing world, pitting two elite champions against each other. Bivol is widely recognized as one of the top pound-for-pound fighters, known for his technical skill and dominant performances.
While no official agreements have been finalized, the confirmation of negotiations has generated considerable excitement among fans and analysts. Both fighters have expressed interest in facing top-tier competition, making this a logical and compelling next step for their careers.
The boxing community will be closely monitoring updates as discussions continue, with hopes that the September timeline can be met. Any formal announcement regarding a date, venue, and broadcast details would likely come from the fighters' respective promotional teams.
Based on reporting from Чемпионат.com.