‘Interim’ WBC and WBA champion David Benavidez moved to the 175-pound division with the hope that he would get to fight for the undisputed title. However, as time passes, the fight appears to be getting farther and farther away from him. Everything started when Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev squared off earlier this month for their highly anticipated rematch. Who won?

After losing their initial fight, Bivol secured a win in the rematch to become the undisputed light heavyweight champion. The expectation was that Benavidez would get to fight Bivol next for all four belts. However, His Excellency Turki Alalshikh claimed he doesn’t want to make the fight anymore. Now, instead, he was focused on making the trilogy fight between Bivol and Beterbiev. 

It’s also worth mentioning that Alalshikh had invited Benavidez to watch the fight ringside, but Benavidez was a no-show. Regardless, after the rematch, WBC ordered Bivol to defend his titles against Benavidez, announcing they have until April 8 to come to an agreement. Later, rumors emerged that both parties were close to finalizing a deal. 

However, Dan Rafael clarified that those were mere rumors. In reality, the fight was nowhere near being in the final stages. Now, he is also the one who has revealed that even the mandatory purse bid between Bivol and Benavidez has hit a speed bump. “The standard WBC purse split of 75-25 was set for April 8 purse bid for Bivol-Benavidez,” he wrote on X earlier today. 

“Benavidez side requested 55-45 split in Bivol’s favor. WBC didn’t give him that but has agreed to amend the split, allowable under the rules, to 60-40 in Bivol’s favor,” he added. When a user pressed Rafael, asking whether the fight was happening, he responded, stating, “Not necessarily. It’s just what the WBC ordered and what [the] Benavidez camp wants. Bivol has other options.”

The question is, what are these other options?

Eddie Hearn confirms plans for Dmitry Bivol, and it doesn’t include David Benavidez

Eddie Hearn has confirmed that Dmitry Bivol’s future plans do not include David Benavidez, despite the WBC ordering a title defense against ‘The Mexican Monster.’ Instead, Hearn hinted at a different direction. Additionally, this direction aligns with His Excellency Turki Alalshikh’s vision for a potential trilogy fight between Bivol and Artur Beterbiev.

“We want to keep hold of all the belts,” Hearn told Boxing King Media. However, he made it clear that if sacrificing one was necessary to follow Alalshikh’s plan, it would be “no problem as well.”  If Bivol vacates the WBC belt, Benavidez could either fight for the vacant title or be instantly promoted to full champion due to his status as the interim titleholder.

That said, things are starting to look bad for the potential Dmitry Bivol vs. David Benavidez fight. But until officials announce the trilogy between Bivol and Beterbiev, anything can happen. Who do you think Bivol will end up fighting? Let us know in the comments below.